(June 13) – The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is announcing a beefed up Voluntary Disclosures Program to encourage full disclosure from taxpayers.

The VDP has now instituted a standard policy for individuals who want to admit to misreported income from previous years. It is also introducing an anonymous counselling service to help people “prepare for a voluntary disclosure.” Individuals who make a full voluntary disclosure that qualifies under this program are not subject to penalties or prosecution. They will have to pay the customs duties or taxes and interest they owe.

These changes were announced at a meeting of the CCRA Appeals Advisory Committee, a group of private-sector individuals that helps the CCRA identify ways to improve its fairness and redress programs. Over 2,000 individuals are expected to use the VDP this year, up from 557 in 1993-1994.

Details of the VDP can be found at the Fairness and Client Rights Web site at: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/agency/fairness/menu-e.html
-IE Staff