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GST/HST Notices - Notice 213August 2006 Draft GST/HST Memorandum 1.4, Excise and GST/HST Rulings and Interpretations ServiceFOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY This memorandum has been revised. It is being disseminated by the Canada Revenue Agency in draft form for comments from the public. Comments or suggestions should be sent by October 31, 2006 to: Director DRAFT 1.4 Excise and GST/HST Rulings and Interpretations ServiceOverview This memorandum explains the rulings and interpretations service offered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in respect of the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST), excise taxes, excise duties, the air travellers security charge, the tax on insurance premiums and First Nations taxes. It does not, however, deal with income tax rulings. For information on income tax rulings refer to Information Circular IC 70-6R5 Advance Income Tax Rulings. Revenu Québec administers the GST/HST in the Province of Quebec. Therefore Revenu Québec, rather than the CRA provides rulings and interpretations and answers technical enquiries on the GST/HST for persons located in the Province of Quebec. You can contact Revenu Québec at 1-800-567-4692. Note This memorandum supersedes GST Memorandum 1.4, Goods and Services Tax Rulings, dated September 1994. Table of contents
GeneralPurpose 1. The CRA offers a rulings and interpretations service in respect of taxes and duties on goods and services. This is referred to as the Excise and GST/HST Rulings and Interpretations Service. As part of this service, the CRA issues technical publications and provides a technical telephone enquiry service, in addition to issuing rulings and interpretations on these taxes and duties. The purpose of the Excise and GST/HST Rulings and Interpretations Service is to assist clients (e.g., GST/HST registrants, excise tax licensees, excise duty licensees and registrants, and other interested persons) to comply voluntarily with the law by providing them as much information as possible on how the relevant provisions of the applicable legislation affect their operations or transactions. Free service 2. The CRA does not charge a fee for this service. Scope of service 3. This service applies to the following taxes and duties:
Technical publications4. The CRA publishes a broad range of technical publications to inform registrants, licensees and the general public about taxes and duties on goods and services. These form part of the overall service of providing clients with information to assist them to voluntarily comply with the legislation. The CRA incorporates the policy content of precedent-setting rulings and interpretations into technical publications when they are updated. Types of publications 5. The main technical publications are as follows:
6. All the above-noted publications are available on the CRA Web site under Technical Information (www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/technical/menu-e.html). Electronic subscription service 7. Persons wishing to receive technical publications may take advantage of the CRA's electronic subscription service. To obtain details on this service, check the CRA Web site under the heading Electronic mailing lists (www.cra-arc.gc.ca/eservices/maillist/menu-e.html). Telephone enquiriesEnquiry service 8. The CRA provides a service of answering technical enquiries by telephone. While a binding ruling cannot be provided over the telephone, the CRA can provide general interpretations of the legislation or other assistance. The CRA endeavours to respond to all telephone enquiries within one working day after receiving them. 9. In the course of answering a technical enquiry the CRA officer handling the call may request documentation or ask the client to request a written ruling, if the client requires certainty on how the legislation would apply to their operation or transactions. 10. Appendix A to this memorandum contains information on where to call to make a technical enquiry. InterpretationsMeaning of interpretation 11. An interpretation is a written statement the CRA provides to a client that sets out the CRA's view of how the legislation applies to a generic fact situation. An interpretation may also set out the CRA's general understanding of particular provisions of the legislation, whether proposed or enacted. A client requesting an interpretation should provide sufficient information to enable the CRA to understand the issues to be considered. Not binding 12. Since they do not pertain to specific fact situations, or are based upon provisions that have not yet become law, interpretations are not binding on the CRA. RulingsMeaning of ruling 13. A ruling is a written statement the CRA provides to a client that sets out the CRA's position on how the relevant provisions of the legislation apply to a clearly defined fact situation of the client. Usually a ruling relates to ongoing issues or transactions and does not specify time limits. A ruling may also be given in advance of any proposed transaction and may be restricted in its application to specific persons, transactions and/or time periods. Facts necessary 14. The CRA will issue a ruling only when the person requesting the ruling has provided all the relevant facts of a transaction or series of transactions. Refer to paragraph 32 of this memorandum for details on what information should be provided with the request for a ruling. Hypothetical situation 15. The CRA will not issue a ruling where the request relates to a hypothetical situation or where it is unable to obtain sufficient facts from the client. In such cases, the CRA may provide an interpretation of the relevant provisions of the legislation in order to assist the client in fulfilling their obligations under the law. Binding on the CRA 16. The CRA considers itself to be bound by the rulings it issues, subject to the limitations outlined in this memorandum. Confidentiality 17. Information provided by clients in the course of a request for a ruling or interpretation is protected under the confidentiality provisions of tax legislation such as the Excise Tax Act, and the Excise Act, 2001, as well as under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The CRA does not release such information to the public. However, all rulings and interpretations issued by CRA Headquarters are made available to the public in severed form. Under this process, all confidential information (meaning information that directly or indirectly reveals the identity of the person to whom it relates) contained in the ruling or interpretation is removed. 18. Appendix A to this memorandum contains information on where to write for a ruling or interpretation. Limitations on rulingsComplete and accurate information 19. A ruling provided by the CRA is limited in its validity and application by the completeness and accuracy of the information upon which it is based. Specific to client and situation 20. A ruling applies only to the client who requests it or on whose behalf it is requested, and only to the issues covered by the ruling. No rulings on proposed legislation 21. The CRA does not issue rulings on proposed or draft legislation, draft regulations, federal budget proposals, or Notices of Ways and Means motions. The CRA may, however, issue interpretations based on these documents. Changes to law, regulations or policy 22. The CRA is not bound by a ruling where a subsequent change to the law, the CRA's interpretation of the law, or administrative policies affects its validity. The CRA ceases to be bound as of the effective date of such a change. The CRA attempts to make the public aware of such changes by issuing CRA Notices, the Excise and GST/HST News, or other excise and GST/HST publications on its Web site and providing links to Department of Finance press releases, as well as by liaising with industry associations and, where feasible, contacting individual registrants or licensees. Nevertheless clients should ensure that they keep current with any legislative, interpretative, or administrative change that may affect their obligations under the law. Further qualifications 23. A ruling may also specify other qualifications as appropriate, e.g., the time limit within which the ruling will apply. When rulings are revokedRevoking rulings 24. When the CRA discovers that a ruling is incorrect, it may revoke or amend it.CRA's error 25. Where a ruling is incorrect because of an error on the part of the CRA, the revocation or amendment would generally apply as of the date of the revocation letter. However, there may be circumstances where the CRA would consider a request to have the revocation take effect on the date of the original ruling or on another appropriate date. Inaccurate information provided by a person 26. Where a ruling is incorrect because the person that requested the ruling has not provided complete or accurate information, the revocation will apply from the date the original ruling was issued. Circumstances where a ruling will not be issuedReasons for not issuing a ruling 27. The CRA will not issue a ruling when it considers that it would be inappropriate to do so. Circumstances in which the CRA may not issue a ruling include:
Informing the client 28. When the CRA decides not to issue a ruling, it will inform the client in writing of the reasons. Processing requests for rulings and interpretationsAcknowledgement 29. Upon receipt of a request for a ruling or interpretation, the CRA will send the client an acknowledgement letter that identifies the ruling or interpretation file case number and the name and telephone number of a CRA contact person. Processed as soon as possible 30. The CRA will review a request for a ruling or an interpretation as soon as possible after receiving it. However, a ruling or interpretation may be delayed if it requires a review of an issue upon which the CRA has not yet adopted a position, or if the CRA is currently in the process of reconsidering its existing position. A ruling or interpretation may also be delayed if the CRA finds it necessary to obtain further information from the client because the initial request does not include all relevant information and documentation. If a ruling is required by a certain deadline (e.g., before the closing date of a contract), the request should be submitted with reasonable lead-time. Request to meet with officials 31. A client may ask to meet with CRA officials after requesting a ruling or interpretation. The CRA encourages such meetings when the purpose is to provide new information, clarify facts, or correct any misunderstanding of previously provided information. Documentary requirements 32. Clients should provide all relevant documentation with their requests for rulings or interpretations. Complete documentation ensures that the CRA can answer the request in a timely manner, and that the ruling addresses the client's specific situation. Requests for rulings should include the following:
Faxes and e-mails accepted 33. The CRA accepts facsimile transmissions and e-mails of ruling or interpretation requests and related documents. Refer to Appendix A to this memorandum for appropriate facsimile numbers.Client information faxed with authorization 34. The CRA will transmit a ruling or interpretation to a client (or the client's authorized representative) by facsimile when the client authorizes the CRA to do so and provides the CRA with a copy of the signed Standard Authorization for Facsimile Transmissions included in Appendix C to this memorandum. It should be noted that while the CRA will exercise due care in transmitting correspondence by facsimile, there is an inherent element of risk of loss of confidentiality in this means of transmission, which must be accepted by the client. Rulings and auditBasis of ruling subject to audit 35. When the CRA undertakes an audit of a person who has received a ruling, the transactions upon which the CRA based its ruling are subject to review. The review will determine whether all material facts were accurately stated in the ruling request, and whether the transaction or series of transactions was carried out as described. 36. In some circumstances the CRA may rule on an issue that is under audit. In such a case, the rulings officer will communicate with the CRA auditor to discuss the request. Reconsideration of a ruling or interpretationInformal process 37. Although there is no formal appeal process for persons who disagree with a ruling or interpretation, the CRA will reconsider a ruling or interpretation if requested to do so. This provides clients with an opportunity to review their ruling or interpretation with CRA officials and have their concerns taken into account. Written request 38. A client who does not agree with a ruling or interpretation may submit a written request for reconsideration to the manager of the office that issued the ruling or interpretation. The address of this office will appear in the ruling or interpretation letter. The request should clearly identify the client's name, address, telephone number, BN, licence number (where applicable), ruling or interpretation case number, and the reasons for the concerns. Third party authorization is required if a particular person is acting on the client's behalf. Acknowledgement letter 39. Upon receipt of a written request for reconsideration, the CRA will send the client an acknowledgement letter that identifies the ruling or interpretation file case number and the name and telephone number of a CRA contact person, and subsequently contact the client to discuss the nature of the concerns. The CRA will also meet with the client if requested to do so. 40. Where a client's request for reconsideration cannot be resolved with the office which issued the ruling or interpretation, that office will forward the request for review at a more senior level. Confirmation in writing 41. The CRA will confirm the outcome of the reconsideration process in writing to the client. All memoranda on GST/HST, excise duty and excise taxes on special levies, as well as technical information bulletins, policy statements and info sheets are available on the CRA Web site at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/technical/excisegsthst-e.html. Appendix A – Where to write or call for a ruling or interpretationListed below are instructions on where to write or call if you wish to request a ruling or interpretation or wish to make a technical enquiry. GST/HST and First Nations TaxesFor a ruling or interpretation or to make a technical enquiry on the GST/HST or First Nations taxes, write to a GST/HST rulings centre or telephone 1-800-959-8287. These centres are listed below. Atlantic RegionAtlantic GST/HST Rulings Centre Fax: 902-426-3062 Ontario RegionHamilton Ontario GST/HST Rulings Centre Fax: 905-527-0790 Ottawa Ontario GST/HST Rulings Centre Fax: 613-957-8481 The Hamilton GST/HST Rulings Centre also delivers its services through the following offices: Toronto Centre Tax Services Office Fax: 416-952-5031 London Tax Services Office Fax: 519-645-5501 Pacific RegionPacific GST/HST Rulings Centre Fax: 604-691-4178 Prairie RegionWinnipeg GST/HST Rulings Centre Fax: 204-984-7002 The Winnipeg GST/HST Rulings Centre also delivers its services through the following offices: Saskatoon GST/HST Rulings Centre Fax: 306-975-4418 Edmonton GST/HST Rulings Centre Fax: 780-495-7527 Calgary GST/HST Rulings Centre Fax: 403-233-6200 Excise DutiesFor a ruling, interpretation or technical enquiry on excise duties, contact one of the Regional Excise Duty offices listed below. Atlantic RegionExcise Duty Manager Phone: 902-426-5748 Excise Duty Manager Phone (toll free): 1-888-609-0073 Excise Duty Team Leader Phone (toll free): 1-888-609-0073 Excise Duty – General Information Phone (toll free): 1-866-712-6661 Assistant Director, Excise Duty Phone (toll free): 1-866-667-9851 Excise Duty Manager Phone: 403-231-4124 Excise Duty Manager Phone: 604-587-2100 Excise Taxes and the Tax on Insurance PremiumsFor a ruling or interpretation or to make a technical enquiry on excise taxes or the tax on insurance premiums, contact: Excise and GST/HST Rulings Directorate Telephone: 1-866-330-3304 Air Travellers Security ChargeFor a ruling, interpretation or technical enquiry on the air travellers security charge, contact one of the following offices: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Quebec Montreal Tax Services Office Telephone: 1-888-609-0073 Ontario and Nunavut Mississauga Tax Services Office Telephone: 905-277-6475 1-866-667-9851 Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and Northwest Territories Burnaby-Fraser Tax Services Office Telephone: 604-587-2611 Appendix B – Sample third party authorization letter[Date] Dear Sir/Madam: I hereby authorize officials of the Canada Revenue Agency to provide the following person with confidential information about my operation for purposes of my request for a ruling or interpretation: [Name of third party, including trading name if applicable This authorization applies to operations relating to my [type of] account applies from [specify date including year] to [specify date including year]. [Signature of requestor] [Full name of requestor Please note:
Appendix C – Standard authorization for facsimile transmissionsAn authorization for facsimile transmissions, as in the example below, must be included with all rulings or interpretations requests in respect of which the client wishes the CRA to fax correspondence. EXCISE AND GST/HST RULINGS AND INTERPRETATIONS – STANDARD AUTHORIZATION FOR FACSIMILE TRANSMISSIONS I hereby authorize the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to fax all correspondence concerning the enclosed ruling(s) or interpretation(s) request(s). All correspondence is to be transmitted to fax number: Fax Number : Waiver I am aware that the CRA does not provide assurance with respect to the protection, confidentiality or security of facsimile transmissions. I accept the risks of possible loss of confidentiality involved due to the unsecured nature of facsimile transmissions of information. I agree not to hold the CRA or its employees liable for any damage or loss, however caused, arising out of the facsimile transmission of any correspondence related to my Excise or GST/HST ruling or interpretation request. Identification – Please print Contact person Telephone number Name of client or authorized third party Telephone number Business number (BN) Signature Signature of client or authorized third party Date |
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