Failing to file tax returns leads to fines, house arrest

Toronto, Ontario, January 13, 2016… The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that for the period between April 2015 and December 2015, a total of 10 Ontario residents were convicted and sentenced for failing to file corporate, personal and/or GST/HST returns. The courts levied a total of $35,000 in fines, 240 days of conditional sentencing and ordered that all returns be filed. This includes 120 days of house arrest for William Arthur Swan, a repeat offender. The following individuals pleaded guilty and were sentenced for failure to file tax returns:

The preceding information was obtained from the court records.

When individuals or corporations are convicted of failing to file tax returns, in addition to any fines imposed by the courts, they are still obligated to file the tax return and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.

If you have ever made a tax mistake or omission, the CRA is offering you a second chance to make things right through its Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP). If you make a valid disclosure before you become aware that the CRA is taking action against you, you may only have to pay the taxes owing plus interest. More information on the VDP can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.

Further information on convictions can be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.

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For media information

Paul Murphy
Manager, Communications
416-952-8105

Date modified:

2016-01-13