Minister Lebouthillier strengthens government services for small businesses

GRANBY, QUEBEC, Dec. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of small businesses, as they contribute directly to the economic growth of our communities and to job creation for the middle class.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, today announced the national expansion of the liaison officer service. The service uses an education-based approach that makes it easier for small businesses across Canada understand and meet their tax obligations.

Small businesses can now access free in-person help from a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) liaison officer. This service is designed to help small businesses meet their tax obligations so that they can continue to contribute to a thriving economy and a growing middle class, right from the start.

As part of Minister Lebouthillier's commitment to offer client-focused service, the CRA will now be accepting requests from unincorporated small businesses across Canada for a liaison officer to visit them. Previously, visits to businesses were all initiated by the CRA. Small business groups or associations may also request an in-person seminar from a CRA liaison officer.

To benefit from this new service, visit the Liaison Officer service web page.

Quotes
"Having been a small business owner, I know first-hand some of the challenges they face. The national expansion of the liaison officer service will help to ensure the prosperity of Canadian small businesses, which contribute positively to developing our communities and to creating jobs for the middle class."
- The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue 

"Small businesses play a crucial role across the country by providing jobs for Canadians and strengthening local economies. By expanding in-person tax services across Canada, small businesses will have increased access to the information they need about taxes and benefits easily and quickly."
- Kamal Khera, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue

"It is essential that we foster the development of small businesses from the start by supporting and informing them, particularly about their tax obligations. I encourage new small businesses to learn more about this new, free service."
- Éric Tessier, Director, Industrial Development, Granby Industrial

Quick Facts  

• The liaison officer service was launched in April 2014 as a pilot project and became a permanent program a year later in April 2015. In November 2016, the CRA piloted the "by request" option in the Greater Toronto and Montréal areas.
• Since its launch, more than 22,000 small businesses have benefitted from access to free in-person support and education to help them fully understand their tax obligations. These visits are not audits and they do not result in reassessments.
• The CRA has over 130 liaison officers across Canada who are ready to help small businesses get their taxes right.

Associated Links

• Liaison officer service
• Information for small businesses

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SOURCE Canada Revenue Agency