Mississauga Tax Lawyer for CRA Audits, Disputes and Tax Debt

Mississauga is one of Canada's largest cities and home to a large community of entrepreneurs, owner-managed corporations, self-employed professionals and real estate investors. That economic profile shapes the tax problems people bring to us. Many involve small and medium-sized businesses: CRA audits of business expenses, shareholder loans and benefits, GST/HST assessments, unremitted payroll deductions and the personal liability of directors when a company cannot pay.

The area around Pearson Airport is one of the country's busiest transportation and logistics hubs, and trucking and logistics businesses face particular scrutiny. Federal authorities have focused on the so-called Driver Inc. model, in which truck drivers are treated as incorporated contractors rather than employees. Misclassification can lead to assessments for unremitted CPP, EI and income tax source deductions, along with GST/HST and penalties. We advise carriers and drivers on these issues and defend them when the CRA reassesses.

Mississauga and Brampton have active markets for new condominiums, pre-construction assignments and investment properties. The CRA uses land registry data and builder records to identify sales that were unreported or reported as tax-free when the facts suggest otherwise. Under the residential property flipping rule in effect since January 1, 2023, profits on homes held for less than 365 days are generally taxed as business income unless a listed life event applies.

We regularly assist clients whose principal residence exemption has been denied, whose GST/HST new housing rebate has been clawed back because the CRA says they never intended to live in the home, and whose assignment profits have been reassessed as business income subject to HST. These disputes are won with evidence of intention, and we help assemble it from the start.

Mississauga is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, and many families support one another across borders. When the CRA sees property purchases or bank deposits that appear larger than reported income, it may conduct a net worth audit. Funds received as gifts or loans from relatives overseas, proceeds from selling property abroad and long-held savings are common sources of income that the CRA overlooks. We help clients document these sources and challenge net worth assessments, including the gross negligence penalties that often accompany them.

Residents with foreign bank accounts, property or investments also need to consider reporting requirements such as Form T1135. If past years were missed, the CRA's Voluntary Disclosures Program may provide relief, provided you apply before the CRA contacts you about the issue.

Iqbal Law brings more than 20 years of experience in Canadian tax disputes and litigation. We handle matters from the first CRA letter through objections and appeals to the Tax Court of Canada, so the strategy is consistent from start to finish. As lawyers, our communications with you are protected by solicitor-client privilege, which matters when the CRA is asking questions about your income or transactions.

We work alongside your accountant, communicate in plain language, and give you a clear assessment of your options, deadlines and risks before you respond to the CRA. Tax deadlines are short, typically 90 days to object to a reassessment, so early advice often makes the difference between a manageable problem and a costly one.

Read the letter carefully and note the type of letter and the deadline. A request for information, an audit letter, a proposal letter, a notice of reassessment and a collections notice each call for a different response. Do not ignore it, and do not send explanations or documents until you understand what the CRA is looking for and what you are legally required to provide.

Gather the tax returns and records for the years involved, and contact us. We will review the letter, confirm the deadline, and take over communication with the CRA where appropriate, so you can focus on your family and business.