Marijuana grower fined over $100,000 for tax evasion

MONTRÉAL, April 15, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Patrice Fortin, of Laval, was fined $103,153 today by a Court of Quebec judge in Laval. He pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges last September 22^nd. The fine represents 125% of the federal tax he tried to evade. In addition to this fine, Mr. Fortin will have to pay the full amount of tax owing, plus related interest and any penalties that apply.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) investigation revealed that, for the 2010 and 2011 tax years, Patrice Fortin, who had previously pleaded guilty to illegally producing cannabis, voluntarily contravened the Income Tax Act by failing to report $365,000 on his personal income tax returns. This amount, determined using the net worth method, includes undeclared income, taxable capital gains from a secondary residence, and expenses relating to a fictitious personal training business for the 2010 year.

All case-specific information above was obtained from the court records.

The CRA can analyse the lifestyle of a taxpayer to determine if tax laws have been broken when a person seems to be living beyond their means.

Canadian taxpayers must have confidence in the fairness of the tax system. To maintain that confidence, the CRA is determined to hold tax evaders accountable for their actions.

If you have ever made a tax mistake or omission, the CRA is offering you a second chance to make things right through its Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP). If you make a valid disclosure before you become aware that the CRA is taking action against you, you may only have to pay the taxes owing plus interest. More information on the VDP can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.

Additional information on convictions can be found on the Media page of the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.

SOURCE Canada Revenue Agency

Julie Pronovost, Regional Spokesperson, Telephone: [phone]