Leave a commentOctober 3, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canada Revenue Agency Press Release
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue, congratulates the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) on their recent merger of all accounting professions. Under one name, CPA Canada provides services to Chartered Professional Accountants, Chartered Accountants, Certified Management Accountants, and Certified General Accountants.
CPA Canada recently held its first National Conference as a unified organization. In her speech at the national Council of Chairs of CPA Canada on September 23, Minister Findlay highlighted the importance of collaborating with the tax professional community in maintaining the integrity of the tax system.
Minister Findlay also delivered a keynote address at the 34thAnnual Commodity Tax Symposium organized by CPA Canada, underscoring the importance of working with the tax professional community to create a more efficient tax system that better serves the needs of small business entrepreneurs and all Canadians.
CPA Canada now represents more than 190,000 members who are critical to tax compliance in Canada. Tax preparers play a crucial role in Canada’s self-assessment system. In fact, the majority of income tax and benefit returns are filed on behalf of taxpayers by tax preparers. A well-informed and competent tax preparer community can prevent recurring errors, saving taxpayers from costly problems later on and reducing red tape for business.
The Government of Canada is collaborating with CPA Canada and other stakeholders on a variety of initiatives to improve the tax system and enhance online services for tax professionals.
Quick facts
- Currently, over 80% of Canada’s professional accountants are merged under the CPA banner.
(Source: Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA)) - There are up to 100,000 tax preparers in Canada. Approximately 70% of individuals and small businesses use tax preparers to file their taxes.
- The CRA has proposed a new Registration of Tax Preparers Program, based on international best practices established by other tax administrations and similar to programs established in other countries like Australia and the US. Canada’s proposed program would be tailored to the specific needs of Canadian tax preparers and recognize the stringent industry standards already in place for many tax professionals.
- The CRA regularly enhances service options available to tax professionals in its dedicated secure online portal, Represent a Client. For example, since April 2014, taxpayer representatives can now submit an authorization request online on behalf of the businesses they represent.
Quote
“Our Government looks forward to a continued close working relationship with CPA Canada, a robust voice for the accounting community in our country. This merger will allow the Canada Revenue Agency to connect, through a single organization, with more than 190,000 professional accountants in Canada, and indirectly, to millions of taxpayers.”
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue
“Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada is a knowledgeable and trusted voice in the administration of sound tax policy. We view CPA Canada as an important partner in our Government’s efforts to serve all Canadians through efficient administration of the country’s tax system. Our Government is committed to helping business owners understand their rights, navigate the tax system, and cut through red tape.”
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue
“We value our strong working relationship with the CRA, which is grounded in mutual interests and a common goal to protect the integrity of our tax system while making it more efficient. Collaboration is key if we are to achieve a more effective system for both taxpayers and tax practitioners.”
Gabe Hayos, Vice-President, Taxation, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canadae