Taxation law in Canada is governed by a combination of federal, provincial, and territorial legislation. The main federal tax law is the Income Tax Act, which imposes income tax on individuals and corporations. While most business lawyers can advise you on general tax matters, they will recommend that you consult a tax lawyer for more complex issues.
Other federal tax laws include:
The Excise Tax Act: This law imposes excise taxes on certain goods and services, such as gasoline and tobacco products.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act: This law imposes a value-added tax on most goods and services sold in Canada.
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Act: This law imposes a combined GST and provincial sales tax in certain provinces.
Provincial and territorial tax laws vary, but they generally cover areas such as:
- Provincial income tax
- Provincial sales tax
- Property tax
How to comply with the tax laws
Individuals and businesses must comply with all applicable tax laws. This includes filing tax returns on time and paying all taxes owing.
Individuals can file their tax returns online through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website. Businesses can file their tax returns online or by mail.
How can a tax lawyer help you?
A tax lawyer can help you with all aspects of taxation law, including:
- Advising you on your tax rights and obligations
- Representing you in tax audits and other tax disputes if they practice as a litigation lawyer.
The CRA offers a number of resources for individuals and businesses, such as the CRA website and the CRA’s tax information phone service. You can also contact your provincial or territorial tax ministry for advice and assistance.
If you have any questions about taxation law, or if you are involved in a tax dispute, it is important to consult with a tax lawyer.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.