Small businesses welcome CRA expansion of Liaison Officer service | CFIB

Toronto, May 10, 2019 – The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) expansion of the Liaison Officer service, announced today, is a positive step in improving the customer service small business owners receive, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB senior vice-president Martine Hebert attended the announcement by CRA Minister Diane Lebouthillier earlier today.

“Complying with tax obligations can be extremely stressful for small business owners. Without support, it can be hard for them to know all the many rules with which they are expected to comply,” said CFIB president Dan Kelly. “We applauded the original creation of the Liaison Officer service as a step toward a more cooperative relationship between CRA and small business owners. Now, with the program’s expansion, more small business owners will be able to get help navigating Canada’s complicated tax system.”

While previously the service was only available to unincorporated businesses the expansion will open it up to the much larger segment of incorporated businesses. CFIB has been working with CRA for a number of years on improving customer service to small business owners.

“Government agencies who deal with small firms should aim to serve their needs and communicate with them, not punish them,” added Kelly. “While there is a long way to go, examples like the CRA Liaison Officer service are a positive sign. We congratulate the Agency and Minister Lebouthillier for making progress towards a needed culture change at CRA.”

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Milena Stanoeva, CFIB
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About CFIB
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 110,000 members across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.