CRA Problems
CRA problems are common, especially with those who are self-employed. Sometimes these problems are large and seem like they will not be resolved. Normal channels of refinancing these issues can be blocked, extending the problems even further.
We Can Help with Income Taxes CRA Issues
Every income earner has to pay their share of income taxes as required by the government. If you work as an employee, odds are your employer automatically deducts income taxes from your paycheque.
Others, such as the self-employed, commissioned, and independent contractors, have to keep track of taxes and pay them separately. It’s important to keep your income taxes up to date as issues can quickly arise when they fall behind. If you find yourself in a situation of owing a significant amount of income taxes, we can help resolve your problems.
What Happens When Income Taxes are Unpaid?
When income taxes go unpaid for a year, CRA will notify you of the balance owing. If the amount is relatively minor, you may not receive anything more than reminder notice in the mail every so often. However, it is necessary to keep your income taxes current to avoid the extra interest charged.
If you fail to pay your income taxes, you will not be eligible for certain government programs, such as CBB or EI. In addition, if you normally receive certain rebates from the government throughout the year, the funds from these may get redirected towards the arrears instead of your bank account.
If several years go by without paying income taxes, the CRA will increase pressure on you to bring them up to date. This may involve putting a lien on your home or even obtaining a judgment against you which will cause problems when you try to obtain mortgage financing or sell your home.
Options to Deal with Unpaid Income Taxes
Unfortunately, income taxes usually cannot be wiped out entirely with a bankruptcy claim, nor is CRA keep on accepting lower payouts. So what options do you have to deal with unpaid income taxes to the CRA?
We can help by partnering with tax lawyers who will speak to CRA on your behalf to try and arrange a settlement. As for obtaining financing to settle the arrears, there are a few options to consider, such as:
- Refinancing your home with an equity-based lender and pay out the income taxes owing from the proceeds; or
- Setting up a short term second mortgage to bring the taxes current, followed by refinancing and combining both mortgages into one, with the ability to show a statement with taxes paid in full
The Graeme Moss Solution
When problems arise with CRA and income taxes, an in-depth review of your situation is required to determine which route works best. We have the knowledge and experience with helping clients all over Ontario settle their outstanding income taxes.
Don’t let CRA dictate what the next steps in recovering the debt will be. Contact us today for a free, confidential review of your situation. We are here to help.