Fuzzy Thumper said:Nope. Well, yes, if there is a Court order, they have to comply... but they aren't restricted to that. Section 8(2)d of the Privacy Act says that they may release information to the Attorney General of Canada for use in legal proceedings involving the Crown in right of Canada or the Government of Canada. Section 8(2)e allows them to give the information to law enforcement if they ask and describe why (without court order).
It's not automatic - but it isn't illegal. That's just TV myth. Things you tell CRA are not "priviledged"! They CAN be used against you, if there is sufficient reason to do so. Or, more importantly, if you give them reason to WANT to....
Huh? That's exactly who they target for audit. Because that's where most of the "funny business" goes on.
If your business is highly automated and full of paper trails, there isn't much to actually audit....
True. But you don't submit receipts either. The foundation of our tax system is based on self-assessment, and they "trust" you... until you give them reason not to.
If you do get audited (and most businesses do, sooner or later), they are VERY much interested in EXACTLY how you make your money. The reason for this is that they need to know this to assess if any of your deductions are "reasonably required" for having earned that income. Simply stating "Consulting" or "Entertaining" will no longer suffice.
I'm not suggesting that they hide what they do, or not declare income; in fact, I agree with most of what you say. I just think it's important to add the the following:
1. CRA is the Government, and "Privilege" is a myth. Anything you tell them, you should be willing to let the Attorney General or the local police know. Exercise discretion in what you say.
2. Get qualified professional help for your taxes (see Ms. Blue's post/request for ideas)
3. In addition to being careful to what you say, be careful not to create "paper trails" that suggest illegal activities (e.g. trying to deduct condom costs, advertising expenses, and home expenses for entertaining clients might put you on the wrong side of "solicitation" or "bawdy house" charges). It MAY not ever amount to much, but it isn't worth the possiblity.
4. Claim your income, and deduct VALID expenses, but be reasonable (your professional help will guide you here, but a general rule would be to ask yourself if you would believe someone could acually live on the net income that you are claiming)... if you get too aggressive, or try and jerk CRA around, they will respond in kind. And they are much better at it than you can ever be.
5. Never (ever) lie.
I bought a toaster, and wow does it ever brown both sides..
Dani