SHERBROOKE, QC, Dec. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that Jacques-Antoine Normandin, of Cowansville, was sentenced by the Court of Quebec in Granby today to 40 days in jail and a total of $10,500 in fines for not filing – and repeatedly refusing to file – his personal income tax returns for the 2009 to 2012 tax years, and for not filing the returns for his company, 9185-8860 Quebec Inc., for the 2007 to 2012 tax years.
This is the second time that Mr. Normandin is convicted for similar infractions. He was fined $10,000 on June 3, 2013.
In this case, Mr. Normandin used many arguments often used by tax protestors, such as the natural/legal person argument. Canadian courts have repeatedly and consistently rejected such arguments. More information on tax protester schemes is available at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
In addition to any fines imposed by the courts, individuals found guilty of not filing tax returns still have to file the returns and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest owed, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
The CRA is always on the lookout for tax schemes, such as the tax protester movement. It will assess or reassess the income tax returns of the individuals involved in such schemes and, in some cases, will recommend prosecution for tax evasion.
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.
For more information on convictions, go to the Media page of the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
SOURCE: Agence du revenu du Canada
Julie Pronovost, Regional Spokesperson, Telephone: 514-283-2226
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