Personal Finance - Audit Shield
Posted onCRA audit activity is on the rise and anyone can be targeted regardless of the accuracy of their return. Recently we mailed out some paperwork for our clients asking if they would like to take part in the new service we are offering – Audit Shield. Since sending this out there has been a lot of questions: What is it? What is covered? Is it right for me? To provide some clarity and to help you make the best decision for you, here is a summary of Audit Shield:
What is it?
Our Audit Shield Fee Waiver Service provides for the payment of professional fees incurred in the event you are selected for an audit, enquiries, investigation or review (audit activity) of filed returns by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other relevant revenue agencies.
The cost of being properly represented can be quite considerable depending on the circumstances. Even a simple enquiry can require hours of work. Our Audit Shield Fee Waiver Service provides a fixed, cost-effective solution to guard against these unbudgeted costs.
What is covered?
All professional fees, up to a prescribed limit (with no excess) are covered when you engage us in audit activity matters. When you choose to participate in our Audit Shield Fee Waiver Service you will receive the following benefits, plus more:
- Protection from any unplanned professional fees resulting from audit activity.
- Retrospective cover, so all previously filed returns are included.
- The assurance that you are covered during a stressful situation.
- Payment for your participation is tax deductible.
With our Audit Shield Fee Waiver Service, you are protected for:
- Business Audits
- Capital Gains Tax
- SR&ED (Financial only)
- Corporate Tax
- Employment Compliance Audits
- GST/HST/PST
- Payroll Audits
- Personal Tax (Post Assessment T1 only)
These are just a few items included in the extensive Audit Shield Fee Waiver Service coverage!
Is it right for you?
All our clients are invited to participate because the CRA can target anyone, even if their returns are filed accurately and on time. The CRA now has unprecedented access to data matching and mining that makes it simpler and far more likely for previously untargeted taxpayers to encounter audit activity. In addition, the last budget provided increased financial resources to the CRA to increase audit activities. With this in mind, we are offering you the opportunity to protect yourself with Audit Shield.
If you still have questions, please call our office and we will be happy to help you make the best decision for you!