The Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman (OTO) works to enhance the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) accountability in its service to, and treatment of, taxpayers through independent and objective reviews of service-related complaints and systemic issues. They operate at arm’s length from the CRA. According to the website for OTO they are committed to providing the best possible service to taxpayers who contact their office. They fulfill this commitment to service by following these two underlying service standards.
The OTO acknowledges receipt of taxpayer contact and/or complaints within five business days – 95 per cent of the time; and provides taxpayers with an update, once the examination of their complaint begins, every 15 business days – 80 per cent of the time.
The OTO reviews complaints when any of your taxpayer service rights, as outlined in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, appear to not be respected by the CRA.
Possible reasons for a service-related complaint include: undue delays; poor or misleading information; staff behaviour; or mistakes, which could potentially result in a misunderstanding.
OTO can review complaints only after the complaint has been reviewed by the CRA’s Service Complaints program, unless there are compelling circumstances, examples of which are shown on the website.
To find out more information along with your “Taxpayer Bill of Rights” go to the OTO website at www.canada.ca
Income Tax Program – starts March 2, 2020 Community Care volunteers will complete 2019 income tax returns for seniors who live in Prince Edward County starting on March 2, 2020. This is through the CRA Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
If you are a senior 60+ whose single income is $35,000 or lower or a couple whose household income is $45,000 or lower, you may be eligible for help through this program. Volunteers have been trained by Canada Revenue Agency to complete Income Tax Returns for eligible clients.
Volunteers do not complete income tax and benefit returns for: deceased persons; resident of Long-term Care homes; bankrupt individuals; for those with more than $1000 of investment income; for individuals with capital gains/losses; or for people with business or rental income and expenses.
There is no charge, donations are encouraged. For information call 613-476-7493 or bring your tax papers to 74A King Street in Picton. Home visits are available for shut in seniors.
-Debbie MacDonald Moynes