Unfiled Returns
Unfiled Tax Returns
If you have unfiled tax returns and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has already contacted you, you are no longer eligible for the voluntary disclosures program. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly. A Toronto tax lawyer can help protect you from criminal charges, reduce penalties, and resolve your situation before it escalates.
The CRA typically follows this process:
- First, they send a request to file.
- Then, a second request if there’s no response.
- Finally, they issue a formal Demand to File.
If you still don’t file, the CRA has two serious options:
- Refer your file to a Crown prosecutor for criminal charges; or
- Issue a notional or arbitrary assessment.
The Risks of Ignoring a Demand to File
If you’re charged with the crime of failing to file a return, even filing the returns later won’t make the charges disappear. In many cases, taxpayers must pay significant fines to avoid jail time. That’s why it’s essential to seek legal help from a Toronto tax lawyer immediately if you receive a Demand to File.
Notional or Arbitrary Assessments
If the CRA issues an arbitrary assessment, they will estimate your income without allowing any deductions. These assessments are usually inflate, intentionally, because the CRA wants to penalize non-compliance and maximize what they can collect.
Once the assessment is issued, a CRA Collections officer may be assigned to begin collection actions, which could include wage garnishments, bank account freezes, or liens.
Why Work with Kirshen Tax Law?
As Toronto tax lawyers with experience handling non-filer cases, we can help you respond strategically and avoid aggressive CRA action. If you’ve received a requirement or demand to file, we:
- Communicate with CRA non-filer officers to secure more time.
- Connect you with trusted accountants to prepare accurate returns.
- Ensure you receive all available deductions and credits.
- Negotiate payment plans with CRA Collections.
- File taxpayer relief requests to reduce penalties and interest.
We’ve helped many clients navigate non-filing situations and avoid the worst-case outcomes.
Proven Results: Unfiled Returns
We’ve helped clients respond to CRA demands to file and avoid criminal charges or inflated arbitrary assessments. In many cases, we’ve secured extra time from CRA non-filer officers, connected clients with accountants to prepare back returns properly, and negotiated fair resolutions. Our legal submissions have helped reduce penalties and eliminate interest through the Taxpayer Relief Program.
See examples of successful results for unfiled returns here.
Book a Free Consultation
If you haven’t filed your returns and the CRA has reached out to you, contact us today for a free consultation with a Toronto tax lawyer. The sooner we act, the more options we’ll have to protect you.