The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has offered tax relief to those individuals, businesses and first responders affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires. Requests must be made directly to the CRA for taxpayer relief. In addition, CRA announced that it has put in place a number of other steps to help ease the burden for those impacted. These include:
- Ceasing all collections, audit related activities and administrative correspondence.
- Cancelling all penalties/ interests for impacted individuals who are unable to file their tax return or pay amounts owing.
- Providing designated phone agents to provide assistance to callers affected by the wildfires. Agents are able to request taxpayer relief on their behalf, and can provide advice relating to lost, destroyed, or damaged records. Individuals can contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 and business callers can call 1-800-959-5525.
- Working with Canada Post to ensure that taxpayers expecting a tax refund or benefit payment have secure access to their mail following the suspension of delivery to Fort McMurray. Visit Canada Post service alert webpage for more information.
CPA Alberta will continue to provide updates on these types of initiatives as they arise.
