News release

Taxpayers' Ombudsman to review service provided by the International Tax Services Office of the Canada Revenue Agency

Ottawa, Ontario, August 27, 2010… The Taxpayer's Ombudsman is mandated to review Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) service-related complaints and to identify and review systemic and emerging issues that can negatively affect taxpayers and benefit recipients.

The Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman has identified a new issue for analysis and launched a review of the CRA's International Tax Services Office as it relates to:

• the accessibility of the International Tax Services Office through the general enquiry telephone lines; and
• delays in responding to taxpayer enquiries.

Taxpayers and tax professionals, who have experienced difficulty with the issues being reviewed, are invited to share their experiences. They can visit the “Public consultations on systemic issues” section at www.taxpayersrights.gc.ca or speak to an officer by calling toll-free at 1‑866‑586‑3839. Confidential submissions will be accepted until October 1, 2010.

Confidentiality is assured to all taxpayers who seek assistance or provide information. However, for security reasons, the Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman asks that no personal information such as a social insurance number or personal tax information be included in online submissions.

For media information:

Kimberley Boyer
Senior Outreach Officer
Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman
Telephone: 613-946-2722
kimberley.boyer@taxpayersrights.gc.ca