Tax News
Taxpayer relief measures for those affected by natural disasters
Ottawa, Ontario, September 1, 2011... The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister
of National Revenue, would like all Canadians who were affected by the
recent tornado in Goderich or were impacted by Hurricane Irene to know
that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has taxpayer relief provisions
available to them if they are unable to meet their tax obligations
because of these natural disasters.
“My sincere sympathy goes out to the people of Goderich who were harmed
by the devastating tornado that swept through the city on August 21st.
I also deeply sympathize with all of those Canadians whose lives have
been disturbed by Hurricane Irene. I know that your first concern is to
begin to re‑build your lives, and in some cases, your homes and your
businesses too.”
“I would like you to know that you have one less thing to worry about
right now,” added Minister Shea. “If you cannot meet your tax
obligations due to a natural disaster, you can be given special
consideration by the Canada Revenue Agency.”
The CRA has taxpayer relief provisions in place that use a balanced
approach to help taxpayers to resolve tax issues that arise through no
fault of their own. Under these provisions, any taxpayer can apply to
the CRA to have interest and/or penalties waived or cancelled in
situations where they are unable to file a tax return and/or make a
payment on time due to a natural disaster or other extraordinary
circumstances beyond their control. Taxpayers should submit their
request in writing using form RC4288, Request for Taxpayer Relief. The CRA will consider these requests on a case-by-case basis.
Affected taxpayers who have questions or concerns about the CRA’s
taxpayer relief provisions can access additional information on the CRA
website at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/prgrms_srvcs/txpyrrlf/menu-eng.html or they can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281. Business owners and self‑employed individuals can call the CRA at 1-800-959-5525.
- 30 -
FOR BROADCAST USE
National Revenue Minister Gail Shea would like all Canadians who have
been affected by catastrophic weather conditions to know that the Canada
Revenue Agency has taxpayer relief provisions available to those who
can’t meet their tax obligations due to the effects of circumstances
beyond their control.
