Almadhoun – FCA finds that the TCC, after finding against the taxpayer, improperly directed CRA to “seriously” consider interest relief and tax remission

The Tax Court had held that the taxpayer was not entitled to the Canada child tax benefit during the years in question, but referred the matter back to the Minister so that “taxpayer relief in the form of a waiver of any applicable interest and penalties under the Act and also a remission of taxes pursuant to the Financial Administration Act” may be “seriously consider[ed].”

In striking this referral part of the judgment, De Montigny JA stated:

It is only when the Tax Court allows an appeal that it can refer the assessment back to the Minister for reconsideration and reassessment.

Nor is it for the Tax Court to interfere with the discretion of the Minister, if only by suggesting that the Minister “may” seriously consider taxpayer relief in the form of a waiver of any applicable interest and penalty under the Act, and a remission of taxes … .

Neal Armstrong. Summaries of Almadhoun v. Canada, 2018 FCA 112 under s. 122.6 – “eligible individual” - (e), s. 171(1)(b)(iii), Charter s. 15(1) and Statutory Interpretation - ordinary meaning.