Tax Alert

The Canada Revenue Agency warns Canadians of mail scam

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning taxpayers to beware of a recent scam where some Canadians are receiving a letter fraudulently identified as coming from the CRA and asking for personal information. The letter is not from the CRA. A PDF version of the letter is available on the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.

The letter claims that there is insufficient information for the individuals tax return and that in order to receive any claims, they will have to update their records. The letter attaches a form specifically requesting the individuals personal information in writing, via fax or email, including information on bank accounts and passports. This letter is not from the CRA and Canadians should not provide their personal information to the sender.

All taxpayers should be vigilant when divulging any confidential information to third parties. The CRA has well established practices to protect the confidentiality of taxpayers information. 

The CRA has notified the proper law enforcement authorities of this scam.

For information about this and other similar scams, or to report deceptive telemarketing activity, visit www.phonebusters.com, send an email to info@phonebusters.com, or call 1-888-495-8501.

This document is also available for download in PDF format.

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Tax Alert

Protect yourself!

The CRA knows that most taxpayers, given the proper tools and information, will voluntarily meet their tax obligations.

The following contains information that will help taxpayers understand how to protect themselves against tax schemes, and understand the consequences they might face.

For example, some taxpayers don't realize the financial and personal risks they are exposed to by paying cash for home renovations. And some taxpayers don't know that participating in certain tax shelter schemes to avoid paying taxes could mean not only a loss of their principal, the repayment of taxes owed, and penalties and interest - it could also lead to fines and imprisonment.

Information is the key! Select a link below to find out more.
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