Maçonnerie P. Demers, of Gatineau, found guilty of tax evasion

GATINEAU, QC, May 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Pierre Demers, of Gatineau, pleaded guilty today to a charge of tax evasion before the Court of Quebec. He was fined $20,000, which represents 100% of the federal income tax he tried to evade.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) investigation revealed that Pierre Demers, who operates an unincorporated masonry business operating under the name "Maçonnerie P. Demers", omitted to declare $114,307 in taxable income for the period 2005 through 2007. Mr. Demers did not account for all sales receipts in the books and records of his business. He provided his accountant only with annual summaries of income and expenditures in order for him to prepare his income tax returns, without providing him with either sales receipts or banking slips.

In addition to the fine imposed by the Court, Mr. Demers will have to pay the full amount of taxes owing plus related interest and any penalties that apply.

The overwhelming majority of Canadians pay their taxes in full and on time. In fairness to them, the Canada Revenue Agency makes sure that people who try to avoid paying taxes are held to account.

Individuals who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They will not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a full disclosure before the CRA takes any action or starts an investigation concerning them. These individuals will only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program can be found on the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.

The information in this news release was obtained from the Court records.

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

For further information: Julie Pronovost, Communications Manager, [phone], ext. 8270, 1-800-292-3430, ext. 8270