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The Tax Ombudsman: Help For Your Clients
If your clients have run up against the opaque bureaucracy
of the Canada Revenue Agency, you'll be happy to hear that CRA has set up
the office of a Tax Ombudsman. Mr. Paul Dube was appointed as of February
1, 2007 for a three year term.
The good news is that M. Dube has a career reputation for
advocacy and fairness. He was co- recipient of the Canadian Bar
Association Pro-Bono award in 2003.
Before launching an appeal to the Tax Ombudsman, make sure
your records are in order, including letters and notes of telephone
conversations with CRA staff. What is it you specifically want as a
result of the TO intervention? When you're prepared, complete the
complaint form at http://www.taxpayersrights.gc.ca/formREADM
E-e.html. The TO's office staff can assist you with completion of the
form with a toll-free call to 1-866- 586-3839 and the entire service,
from your call to final decision, is free.
The results of any intervention by the Tax Ombudsman are
used to help your client redress mistakes, omissions or delays. If
further action is warranted, his office will assist you and your client
in determining which department or agency may receive a further
complaint. They may even require CRA to issue an apology for the handling
of your file. The TO also sends recommendations to CRA for correcting
service related issues.
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