CRA Audits - How did we get here? What do we do next?

Over the past couple years CRA has ramped up the number of audits it carries out. Unless you specialize in tax audits there are many facts and processes you may not be aware of. Experience matters. Our presenters are focused on tax audits and litigation. They have both worked for large firms, for the Justice Dept and now work to serve the taxpayer. Their insights and advice is invaluable in ensuring your clients are well served. There is a culture and process to audits. James Rhodes and Melanie Petrunia understand and live the cutlures. This could be the difference in saving your client from even bankruptcy. While the presentation will focus on the agenda, time permitting, we will also give some thoughts on what the future holds as a result of the new proposed complex tax rules. With greater tax complexity in the pipeline, what are some fundamentals you can prepare for to minimize risk.

Our speakers, James Rhodes and Melanie Petrunia, respectively, come from Taxation Lawyers and Satellite Tax Law, both former Justice lawyers.

Agenda

1:30 - 2:00 Registration

2:00 - 2:10 Event Sponsor - Accountancy Insurance, Audit Shield

2:10 - 3:40 How did we get here?

Background - Common Law

Jurisdiction of the Tax Court

Framework of Self-Assessment System

The "Normal Reassessment Period"

Mistakes seen in practice

Documentation - requirements?

3:40 - 3:50 Networking and Snacks

3:50 - 5:00 What do we do next?

First steps when CRA notifies you of an audit

Objection aspects

Appeals aspects

What CRA Can and Cannot do when Auditing

Future considerations

5:00 - 7:00 Networking

Speaker Summaries

james

James Rhodes / BSc, LLB - Taxation Lawyers

James started his career as a tax lawyer first with the Tax Court of Canada (TCC). He then worked at KPMG, and then Department of justice where he was counsel on over one hundred appeals. Following this he has worked at Miller Thomson LLP, and now operates as TaxatlonLawyers. James handles all tax dispute resolution and tax litigation matters from dealing with the Canada Revenue Agency on audits and objections, appearing before the TCC and Federal Court of Appeal, to tax evasion charges. He also does Voluntary Disclosure Program applications, taxpayer relief requests, and rectification applications.

melanie

Melanie Petrunia / B.A., LLB - Satellite Tax Law

Melanie has practiced almost exclusively in the area of tax litigation for over ten years. After completing her undergraduate education at Yale University and McGill University, she obtained a law degree from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie. She then began her career with a large Atlantic Canada law firm, followed by eight years with the Federal Department of Justice, Tax Law Services. During her time representing the Canada Revenue Agency, she conducted hundreds of trials at the Tax Court of Canada throughout Atlantic Canada, as well as in Ontario, British Columbia and Nunavut. She has also appeared in provincial and superior courts in many provinces, the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal.

Now, as the Principal of Satellite Tax Law, Melanie uses her years of experience in tax litigation matters to represent Canadian taxpayers. Though based in Halifax, Melanie offers her services throughout the country, primarily in Atlantic Canada, Ontario and British Columbia. She utilizes available technology to minimize cost and maximize value for her clients. She regularly assists clients with tax dispute resolution and collection matters as well as EI and CPP appeals, and judicial review applications before the Federal Court.

Event Sponsor

Audit Shield

Audit Shield covers the professional fees required to respond to an investigation, audit, enquiry or review instigated by the Canada Revenue Agency. Provided by the team at Accountancy Insurance, Audit Shield is tailored specifically for accounting firms.

International accounting firms such as BDO, Grant Thornton and Pitcher Partners; and networks such as Nexia, HLB Mann Judd and MGI; right through to sole proprietor CPA's preparing tax filings are benefiting from Audit Shield.