Goderich Businesses Affected By Tornado May Seek Taxpayer Relief
I spent some of the best years of my childhood living in Goderich. As a sales tax lawyer, I want to share a Canada Revenue Agency news release about claiming taxpayer relief in light of the tornado devastation. Many businesses are not able to find their records let alone make timely GST/HST payments. Income tax time will also be a problem.
Taxpayers are entitled to ask for relief in these circumstances. Please let the CRA know as soon as you can about your circumstances (and send the letter by registered mail to keep proof of submission). Open communication is the best way to "get on the same page".
The CRA applies the "fairness" provisions on a case-by-case basis. However, the fact that your business was destroyed or disrupted or your home was destroyed or you emotionally are in a state of shock are reasons to ask for fairness. My experience is that the CRA can and will reach out a helping hand to those who truly need it.
My heart goes out to the people of Goderich - my former neighbours, my friends and my community. I cannot image the challenges you must deal with and see every day.
Cyndee Todgham Cherniak is counsel to and in affiliation with the International Trade Law and the Tax Law (Commodity Tax
