YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX LAWYER BEFORE YOU CONTACT THE CRA

If you did not file a return or did not declare everything on your income tax returns or your GST/HST returns, you can get a second chance to set the record straight and come clean.

The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency.... the income tax police) offers a Voluntary Disclosures Program which allows taxpayers to come forward voluntarily and correct their tax situation.

If you make a full disclosure before the CRA begins a review, an audit or an investigation, you may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest and avoid penalties or criminal prosecution.

CRA says: "You can make this disclosure yourself, for free, and you do not have to hire a third party to help you."

If you do that, you are like a lamb to the slaughter. You need to consult a tax lawyer to be sure you know what you are getting into and to protect you from an overly ambitious CRA clerk with a quota to meet.

A lawyer cannot be forced to testify against you. Your accountant has no such immunity and could actually be required to testify against you whether he wants to or not.

For general information on the CRA tax Voluntary Disclosures Program call 1-800- 959-8282