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How much do you charge?
I firmly believe that you should know in advance how much it will cost to use my services so that there are no surprises at a later date. This list outlines my current fees for the various services I provide. Please see the individual web page or contact me for more information on what each service includes.
Hourly Rates
Traditional hourly fees are best for complicated or unpredictable cases, such as Court Appeals, or if you just want me to do everything for you. After I know more about your situation I can estimate how many hours your particular case will take. Typically, this would be around 15 to 25 hours for Objections, 10 to 15 for Relief Applications and less than 10 for Payments Arrangements and Voluntary Disclosures.
| Full Representation | Hourly Fee $175.00 plus HST and disbursement costs |
Fixed Fees
For clients who just need help with a specific item, I offer fixed fee arrangements so it is clear from the beginning how much my services will cost. These fixed fees only suit certain types of cases and I will have to review the details of your situation to confirm if you can qualify. If fixed fees are suitable, they can provide greater certainty and substantial savings but you will have to work with me to get the information I request.
| Notice of Objection | $2,750.00 plus HST |
| Taxpayer Relief Application | $1,750.00 plus HST |
| Voluntary Disclosure | $1,500 plus HST |
| Payment Arrangement | $875.00 plus HST |
Support and Assistance
For clients who want to represent themselves but just need some guidance or help, I have unbundled my services to help lower the fees involved. You can see how this works in my savings example. The starting point of these unbundled services is my Detailed Case Evaluation in which will explain what I think you need to do to resolve your situation and give you tips on what to include in any applications you need to file. If you still need help after this or already know what you need to do, I can advise you by phone, email and even draft and review documents for you. The biggest difference between this and my other services is that I do not speak to the CRA on your behalf and all applications are sent and signed by you and not in my name.
| Detailed Case Evaluation | $500.00 plus HST |
| Telephone and Email Support | 30 minutes for $50.00 plus HST |
| Document Drafting and Review | Prices vary according to complexity, approximate cost range $500 to $1,500 plus HST* |
| Case Law Research | Prices vary according to complexity, approximate cost range $500 to $1,500 plus HST* |
*These figures are a non-binding approximation and more accurate quotes will be provided upon consultation.
In addition to these services, I provide several "How To" Guides and informative articles and videos through Taxpayers Advocate Inc. and we also host workshops and seminars throughout the year. Check out the Tax Wiki on the "Get Info" section of their site as it is a valuable source of information for people who are planning to represent themselves in their tax dispute.
Is it worth me hiring a lawyer?
Not Always. That is why I offer a free consultation. I will be able to tell you after speaking with you whether this is an issue for which you need legal help and it will not cost you anything to find out. We can also discuss how my cost-effective services that can help you to represent yourself and allow you to control how much you pay in legal fees.
Is my conversation with you confidential?
Absolutely. Once you are formally accepted as my client, all communications and discussions between us is subject to Solicitor-Client Privilege. The Canada Revenue Agency can request details of every meeting you have with an accountant but under Canadian law, if you seek advice from a lawyer then everything you say is protected and no-one can force me to even admit to dealing with you.
Can you reduce my tax debt?
Not always. You have to have grounds for me to be able to reduce your debt. Whether this is proof of disallowed expenses or donations or whether it’s just a reason that you shouldn’t be charged a penalty or interest, I need something to be able to argue and attempt to reduce your debt. Taxes have to be paid and while I can help you to claim every benefit possible under the law, I cannot change the rules which Parliament have set down.
Do you prepare Tax Returns?
My specialty is in Tax Appeals and the administration of the Income Tax Act and so I do not personally prepare tax returns. However, I work closely with accountants who can help you with all your tax preparation needs under the protection and legal privilege of retaining a lawyer.
Taxpayers Advocate Website
http://www.taxpayersadvocate.ca
Taxpayers Advocate Wiki
http://www.taxpayersadvocate.ca/wiki
Canada Revenue Agency Website
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html
CRA Information regarding Appeals
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/p148/README.html
CRA Information regarding Voluntary Disclosures
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tp/ic00-1r2/ic00-1r2-e.pdf
CRA Information regarding Penalty and Interest Relief
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tp/ic07-1/README.html
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc17/README.html
Tax Court of Canada
http://www.tcc-cci.gc.ca/main_e.htm
Federal Court of Canada
http://cas-ncr-nter03.cas-satj.gc.ca/portal/page/portal/fc_cf_en/Index