My recollection is the law says that, when reasessed, you pay first, then dispute and hopefully get a refund. Naive justice says that if you honestly filed a truthful, accurate return, the late clock should only start ticking when you were informed of your good-faith 'error'. But if their position is that your tax obligation was/should have been obvious to you at the time, then they'd consider you late from Day1 and charge accordingly.
The various appeals within the CRA and the courts eventually would sort it out. Big deal, if you pay more than the four grand for advice and representation to get off. You can, of course, represent yourself, and might consider it at the first level if your case seems clear.
The bigger question would be: What does the reason they give for the additional tax do to this year and previous years? E.g. If they've assessed $2000 additional taxes because they disallowed $6000 in expenses for 'workclothes', and you pay. They could then ding you similarly for a few years back, and the coming year as well. Which might make the cost of fighting seem more reasonable.
Worth a call to the number on the form for as much info as they'll give out. Everytime I've had to deal with folks at the CRA, I've found them polite, informative and reasonable to talk to. Do not argue with them, but certainly state your case clearly, succictly and politely. If all it is is a misunderstanding—if only—you may be happily surprised how far you get.
Best of luck, do not let them wear you down.
The various appeals within the CRA and the courts eventually would sort it out. Big deal, if you pay more than the four grand for advice and representation to get off. You can, of course, represent yourself, and might consider it at the first level if your case seems clear.
The bigger question would be: What does the reason they give for the additional tax do to this year and previous years? E.g. If they've assessed $2000 additional taxes because they disallowed $6000 in expenses for 'workclothes', and you pay. They could then ding you similarly for a few years back, and the coming year as well. Which might make the cost of fighting seem more reasonable.
Worth a call to the number on the form for as much info as they'll give out. Everytime I've had to deal with folks at the CRA, I've found them polite, informative and reasonable to talk to. Do not argue with them, but certainly state your case clearly, succictly and politely. If all it is is a misunderstanding—if only—you may be happily surprised how far you get.
Best of luck, do not let them wear you down.
(It is justified). Thanks all for the advice!
