Categories
Brandon Blog Post

SENIOR CITIZEN DEBT RELIEF: DO CANADIANS BELIEVE CPP/QPP WILL BE ENOUGH?

senior citizen debt relief

Introduction

Believe it or not, when it comes to senior citizen debt relief, many Canadians believe that they can comfortably retire on Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits alone. According to a 2014 Bank of Montreal study:

  • 89% of Canadians said they expected CPP or the Quebec Pension Plan to fund part of their retirement
  • 31% said they expected to rely heavily on their CPP/QPP

Is expecting the government to fund your retirement realistic?

No! Paul Shelestowsky, a senior wealth adviser with Meridian Credit Union in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario believes that Canadians are playing a dangerous game with their future by expecting the benefits of making up for meagre savings. “CPP and OAS were never meant to form somebody’s retirement plan. They were meant to augment it and help as one of the pieces of the puzzle,” Mr. Shelestowsky says.

Do you know how much you’d earn if CPP and OAS were your only sources of income in 2015?

Your net income would be $17,883/year or $1,490/month. Could you possibly live out your golden years in the manner you had imagined with such a scant income? How would you ever obtain senior citizen debt relief?

If you’re like many Canadians you’re in a total state of shock right now. In 2013, a Leger Marketing survey for H&R Block found that 7 out of 10 non-retired Canadians were unaware of how much money CPP pays out monthly. The maximum in 2015 was $1,065 a month, but this is the maximum. The average CPP payment is only about $550.

What about senior citizen debt relief?

How many of you could maintain close to your current lifestyle on $1,490/month? It would be hard enough to pay your monthly bills, let along pay down your liabilities. Yet seniors are adding to their financial load even faster than the general population, with the average Canadian senior owing approximately $15,000. This is a serious issue and as a result, we’ve done a series of blogs/vlog about this issue:

Your solution

If you’re in need of senior citizen financial relief, you need a professional trustee to help you manage your financial problems before it reaches a critical stage where bankruptcy is your only option. We have been able to help many seniors carry out a successful debt settlement program. Successful completion of such a program will free you from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

You should never take liabilities into retirement. NOW is the time to deal with financial problems; not once you’re on a seriously limited income and barely making ends meet. Sit down with a professional trustee and discuss your options. We’re experts on dealing with senior citizen debt relief and not so senior citizen financial issues. With immediate action and the right financial plan in place, you can be well on your way to a debt-free life Starting Over, Starting Now. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. today. Help is only a phone call away.

 

Categories
Brandon Blog Post

♦ VIDEO – CREDIT CARD DEBT HELP: START NOW FOR A DEBT FREE CHRISTMAS 2016 ♦

Credit card debt help

Credit card debt help: Now that the Holidays are over

Now that the Holidays are over, and the feeling of Christmas cheer is being replaced with the reality of your need for credit card debt help, I wanted to come and share a few tips for having a debt free Christmas 2016. Maybe you have already maxed out your credit cards with purchases for your family and friends.

It is not too early to start thinking about a debt free Christmas 2016. So while you are taking your time to pay off the credit card debt, or considering your options in obtaining the credit card debt help you need, this is actually the perfect time to begin thinking about having a debt-free Christmas for 2016.

Credit card debt help: 4 tips to becoming debt-free

We have 4 tips that will start you on the path for a debt-free Christmas 2016:

  1. Set a realistic budget– This is a critical part to not only budget for paying off the 2015 credit card debt, but also for planning a debt free Christmas 2016. Make a list of everyone that you will want to purchase a gift for, write down a gift idea and estimated cost. Now you can start incorporating those costs, and the costs of any incidentals like meals you like to cook for family and friends and any other miscellaneous expenses associated with next Christmas.
  2. Set up a savings account – Now that you know how much you have to pay off from 2015 Holiday credit card debt, and your estimated budget for Christmas 2016, you can work those into your monthly budget. Take the estimated 2016 cost and start saving from every paycheque now by putting the money in a special savings account solely for that purpose. It is easier to start saving now in February little bits every week, than to expect all the money to just be available come next December. In this way you won’t need Christmas 2016 credit card debt help.
  3. Look for sales all year round – There are all types of sales throughout the year. Traditionally, the month of December is not one of those months. Why not take advantage of sales all year round by purchasing your Christmas 2016 gifts throughout the year when on sale, rather than just shopping near the end of the year?
  4. Grocery budget – When you are budgeting, be realistic. Even if you are not hosting Christmas dinner in 2016, everyone loves your special Christmas baking and cooking. You will want to make those special dishes to take to family and friends. Make sure your grocery budget for December 2016 reflects the increased food costs for that month when you are starting to save now.

If you follow these 4 simple tips, you will find that your Christmas debt for 2016 will be zero and you will not need credit card debt help due to Christmas 2016. The realistic budget will also help you pay down your credit card debt from 2015 holiday time, as well as help you spend within your means throughout the whole year.

Credit card debt help: Get a no-cost consultation

If you’re trapped in a high interest credit card debt cycle, I could tell you that you need to get credit card debt help, but how would you do it? You need a professional trustee to help you manage debt before it reaches a critical stage where bankruptcy is your only option. We have been able to help many individuals carry out a successful credit card debt settlement program. Successful completion of such a program, will free you from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

Contact the Ira Smith Team today. Before considering declaring bankruptcy, there are other bankruptcy alternatives which include credit counselling, debt consolidation and consumer proposals. We can help and Starting Over, Starting Now you can be restored to financial health.

credit card debt help, credit card debt settlement, credit card, credit cards, living paycheque to paycheque, budget, low Canadian dollar, bankrupt, declaring bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposals

 

Categories
Brandon Blog Post

WANT TO STEP UP YOUR NEW YEAR’S CREDIT CARD DEBT SETTLEMENT? YOU NEED TO READ THIS FIRST

credit card debt settlement, credit card, credit cards, living paycheque to paycheque, budget, low Canadian dollar, bankrupt, declaring bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposalsIs credit card debt settlement relief now one of your New Year’s resolutions?

You had a great time over the holidays and everyone loved their gifts. You even bought a few goodies for yourself. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a little self-indulgence, is there? How did you feel when you opened your credit card statement? How long did it take you to start breathing again? Now, can you pay your credit card bills, or are you in need of a credit card debt settlement program?

Budgeting will also be part of a credit card debt settlement

If you’re like most Canadians, you’re already dealing with an enormous debt load and you don’t have anything put aside for a rainy day. You may already be living paycheque to paycheque. The Canadian dollar is very low which means that your grocery bills are higher. And there will be other items affected by the low dollar as well. If you’ve planned a vacation outside of Canada, I hope you’ve budgeted for the low dollar. In fact, are you budgeting at all? As we’ve stressed:

A Balanced Budget is to Financial Health What a Balanced Diet is to Physical Health – Part 1

A Balanced Budget is to Financial Health What a Balanced Diet is to Physical Health – Part 2

It seemed like a good idea to use the credit cards, but now I need credit card debt settlement

Using credit cards may seem like a good idea because they’re convenient and you probably get some type of reward for using them. However, if you’re not paying your bill in full each month, the high interest rates could be your financial undoing. It’s easy to get stuck in the trap of high interest debt and then taking out more high interest debt to pay off the high interest debt. Alternatively, you could face up to the fact that you will never be able to pay off your credit cards, and rather than taking on more debt you will be unable to repay, consider a credit card debt settlement program.

So how can I obtain credit card debt settlement – NOW!

If you’re trapped in a high interest debt cycle, I could tell you that you need to pay off high interest debt, but how would you do it? You need a professional trustee to help you manage debt before it reaches a critical stage where bankruptcy is your only option. We have been able to help many individuals carry out a successful credit card debt settlement program. Successful completion of such a program, will free you from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

Contact the Ira Smith Team today. Before considering declaring bankruptcy, there are other bankruptcy alternatives which include credit counselling, debt consolidation and consumer proposals. We can help and Starting Over, Starting Now you can be restored to financial health.

Categories
Brandon Blog Post

Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: 6 Differences With Bankruptcy

Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: Introduction

Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario are treated very differently than in a Bankruptcy in Ontario. One of the most common questions that people in difficult financial situations ask is: what’s the difference between a consumer proposal and bankruptcy?

Personal bankruptcies and consumer proposals are two of the most common solutions available for personal financial issues. While both are designed to help people resolve debt issues and give users the necessary protection from creditors, learning what’s the difference between a consumer proposal and bankruptcy can help people make more informed decisions in the future.

  1. Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: Consumer Proposal debt limitation

With a consumer proposal, it is only possible for you to claim it if your total debt does not exceed $250,000, excluding the debt owing on the mortgage(s) on your home. Additionally, you must be able to repay a part of those debts to apply.

  1. Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: Creditor acceptance

However, your creditors must accept your proposal, as you do not automatically earn it upon signing up for the option. With bankruptcy, however, any person who owes their creditors more than $1,000 in debt is eligible to file without the need for creditor approval.

The ideal candidates for this situation are those who need some type of immediate financial relief and whose income and budget do not allow them to pay off the reduced amount agreed to in a consumer proposal, on a monthly basis, up to a maximum of 60 months.

  1. Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: Fixed consumer proposal monthly payment vs. potential variable surplus income bankruptcy payment

In order to resolve the financial issues, you and your creditors need to agree to a proposed amount with a consumer proposal, hence the name of the program. This is a monthly amount that you need to pay consistently, but it stays the same for as long as the proposal is in effect. With bankruptcy, however, monthly payments may vary based on the amount of money that you make. The more that you regularly earn, the more you need to pay per month.

  1. Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: Surrendering of your assets in a bankruptcy

With a consumer proposal, you do not need to surrender your assets. With bankruptcy, however, with only certain minor exceptions, you will have to surrender your assets to your licensed insolvency trustee. The Trustee sells them and will use the money to pay for the cost of administration. The Trustee might also pay a dividend to your unsecured creditors.

  1. Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: Credit rating

With a consumer proposal, your credit rating will receive an R7. This indicates you have undergone such an agreement. It will remain for up to 3 years after paying off your loans. With bankruptcy, you earn an R9 rating. That is the worst that you can have. It can stay on your report for a period of 7 years.

  1. Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: Debts from an addiction

The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, are very concerned about debts that have arisen as a result of addiction. The Licensed Insolvency Trustee must ask questions to decide if any debts have arisen as a result of addiction.

Once so determined, in a bankruptcy, the licensed insolvency trustee must oppose the bankrupt’s discharge. In order to hope to get an absolute discharge from the Court, the bankrupt will have to go into a rehabilitation program. They will need to prove they have completed a recognized program and continue to seek help. The person will also need to show they are no longer spending money on such addiction.

These are all good things for the total rehabilitation of the individual. It differs from the treatment under a consumer proposal. The licensed insolvency trustee will still want to make sure that the individual is seeking help for their addiction. If you complete your consumer proposal payments there will never be a bankruptcy. Your consumer proposal is successfully completed. You also avoid the onerous issues of discharge from bankruptcy. The treatment of gambling and consumer proposals Ontario as compared to bankruptcy is huge for the individual.

Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario
Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario

Gambling and Consumer Proposals Ontario: Are you suffering from too much debt?

If you are an individual or company who needs to free themselves from the stress and strain of too much debt, and especially if you have been told your situation is hopeless because of an addiction, Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can prepare and carry out the plan made just for you, to free you from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

If you’re experiencing serious debt issues for any reason, contact a professional trustee for a free, no-obligation consultation. The Ira Smith Team does not try to write new insolvency laws or tax laws. Rather, we will evaluate your situation within the existing statutes, and help you to arrive at the best possible solution for your problems, whether that solution is a bankruptcy alternative like credit counselling, debt consolidation or a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. Starting Over, Starting Now you can be debt-free with the help of a professional, licensed insolvency trustee. Contact us today.

gambling and consumer proposals Ontario, what’s the difference between a consumer proposal and bankruptcy, consumer proposal, debt, debts, creditors, financial relief, surplus income, credit rating. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, Superintendent of Bankruptcy, gambling, alcoholism, drugs, addiction, bankruptcy, licensed insolvency trustee, debt issues, ira smith trustee, debt talk, financial advice, credit counselling, bankruptcy, credit (industry), personal bankruptcy, insolvency, mnp ltd.,
gambling and consumer proposals Ontario
Categories
Brandon Blog Post

CONSUMER PROPOSAL PROCESS FOR LOTTERY WINNERS? BUT WHY?

X bankruptX BankruptcyX bankruptcy alternativeX financial planX Ira Smith TrusteeX living paycheque to paychequeX lotteryX powerballX trusteeX consumer proposal processConsumer proposal process for a lottery winner? Why?

Here’s a headline I’m sure you all remember – Three winners of the $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot. Here’s a headline you may have missed – The odds are that the US$1.5 billion Powerball winner will end up bankrupt (and if a Canadian, possibly a consumer proposal process).

Categories
Brandon Blog Post

BANKRUPTCY ALTERNATIVE: THE CLINTON PORTIS LIST FOR TURNING $40 MILLION INTO A BANKRUPTCY

Clinton Portis, bankrupt, bankruptcy, bankruptcies, declaring bankruptcy, living paycheque to paycheque, bankruptcy alternative, bankruptcy alternatives, credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposals
Picture courtesy of clintonportis26.com
Categories
Brandon Blog Post

#VIDEO: DOES SURPLUS INCOME IN BANKRUPTCY SOMETIMES MAKE YOU FEEL STUPID?#

If you don’t know what surplus income in bankruptcy is don’t feel that you aren’t as smart as the next person because most people don’t know what it means or how it is even possible. We hope this short video will explain things easier for you.

We have previously written about surplus income in bankruptcy in our blogs:

On the list of items that generally seems to be difficult for many individuals to understand is how there can be surplus income in bankruptcy. The reason for the confusion is because it has nothing to do with the normal usage of the word “surplus”, being “more than what is needed or used; excess”.

What is surplus income in bankruptcy?

Within a personal bankruptcy, the context is a measure of what a bankrupt has to pay to the Trustee month-to-month. It is one of the aims of the Canadian bankruptcy system to balance the discharge of one’s personal debt with the expectation of the creditors that they should be paid.

To allow Canadians to keep a basic standard of living during the personal bankruptcy procedure, the government features collection thresholds on income (after income tax as well as certain deductions) meant to enable the bankrupt to keep a basic standard of living while contributing an amount to the Trustee for the benefit of his or her creditors.

Exactly how is the surplus income in bankruptcy payment determined?

The surplus income payment is determined according to a prescribed surplus income calculation mandated by the federal government, without any distinction for the area somebody lives in. To learn exactly what your surplus income in bankruptcy obligation would be, if any, you need to speak to a Trustee.

Surplus income in bankruptcy thresholds are structured based on national “poverty line” stats and the thresholds are set regardless of what part of the country or city that you live in. Surplus income in bankruptcy has nothing to do with what you have left over in funds every month. It is a federal solution which takes your monthly after-tax wages or salary, allows for a specific number of non-discretionary expenses, and takes into account your family size. Your Trustee then inputs this information into the government mandated formula, to calculate your surplus income in bankruptcy obligation.

If you have too much debt, contact us

If you are an individual or company who needs to free themselves from the stress and strain of too much debt, and especially if you have been told your situation is hopeless, Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can prepare and carry out the plan made just for you, to free you from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

If you’re experiencing serious debt issues with the CRA, or for any reason, contact a professional trustee for a free, no obligation consultation. The Ira Smith Team does not try to write new insolvency law or tax law. Rather, we will evaluate your situation within the existing statutes, and help you to arrive at the best possible solution for your problems, whether that solution is a bankruptcy alternative like credit counselling, debt consolidation or a consumer proposal. Starting Over, Starting Now you can be debt free with the help of a professional, licensed trustee in bankruptcy. Contact us today.

surplus income in bankruptcy, ira smith trustee, starting over starting now, debt, consumer proposal, bankruptcy, credit counselling, debt consolidation, bankruptcy alternative, surplus income payment, surplus income calculation

Categories
Brandon Blog Post

CORPORATE BANKRUPTCY SERVICES: WHO WILL GET ON THE 2016 LIST?

corporate bancruptcy services, bancruptcy, corporate bankruptcy services, Canadian industries, oil and gas industry, automotive industry, construction industry, bankruptcy, bankruptcy leader, lines of credit, home-equity loans, car leases, credit cards, mortgages, debt, ira smith trustee, starting over starting now, corporate bankruptcyWhich industries may require corporate bankruptcy services in 2016?

Canada and Canadians are facing serious economic challenges, and certain industries have been much harder hit than others. Oil and gas, automotive and construction have taken the biggest hit and there are no clear signs of recovery any time soon. They may very well require corporate bankruptcy services (sometimes misspelled corporate bancruptcy services) in 2016. And, according to Statistics Canada, accommodation and food services, transportation and warehousing, and information and cultural industries experienced the biggest increase in insolvencies.

Our list of the top candidates for corporate bankruptcy services in 2016

  • The oil and gas industry: According to Bloomberg business, the oil price crash is taking a heavy toll on Canada and the worst is yet to come. As a result, Calgary is taking the brunt of it with crime on the rise, house prices falling rapidly and food banks being overwhelmed. “We all know someone who has lost a job,” Naheed Nenshi, the city’s mayor, said in a speech this month, lamenting the “funeral”-like atmosphere in the business community. The bloodletting isn’t over yet. Already 40,000 oil and natural gas positions have been lost in the last 18 months and many more job cuts are predicted in 2016.
  • The automotive industry: The auto industry is on very shaky ground. Mexico and Tennessee have replaced Michigan and Ontario as the North American auto industry’s manufacturing hubs. Canada’s auto trade has gone from a surplus of $15-billion in 1999 to a deficit of $18-billion in 2013; half of which came from trade with Mexico. Production commitments made by General Motors Co. (GM), including those made within the corporate bankruptcy services that created “Old GM” and “New GM”, and Chrysler Group LLC as part of their $13.7-billion bailouts, are set to expire at the end of 2016, leaving them free to close plants and lay off workers if they see fit. According to Charlotte Yates, dean of social sciences at McMaster University and head of the new Canadian Automotive Policy Partnership, if Canada is determined to keep trying to compete in today’s globalized auto industry, it can’t do it without subsidies.
  • The construction industry: The construction industry is a corporate bankruptcy services leader. Industry Canada’s July bankruptcy statistics have ranked the construction industry as one of the leaders in bankruptcies and experts attributed the statistics to a risky business with poor management and cash-flow monitoring.

Canadians and their debt

Canadian consumers are the most indebted in the world according to Tom Bradley of Steadyhand funds, “Lines of credit, home-equity loans, car leases, credit cards, high-ratio mortgages—they’re well-versed in them all. The level of consumer debt will make it difficult to attain the growth and employment levels of previous cycles; past purchases were borrowed from the future. Extensive use of leverage will also make Canadian families and the overall economy vulnerable in the next economic slowdown”.

If you’re like many Canadians and Canadian corporations experiencing serious financial problems, now is the time to deal with them. The Ira Smith Team will tackle your financial issues head on and with immediate action and a solid plan you can be on your way to a debt free life Starting Over, Starting Now. Contact us today.

 

Categories
Brandon Blog Post

#VIDEO: AVERAGE STUDENT LOAN DEBT: REASONS WHY WE PITY YOU#

The rise of average student loan debt

Average student loan debt is getting out of control. Post-secondary education is effectively a need for today’s labour market. According to the Canadian Federation of Students in its paper titled: “The Impact of Student Debt”, unfortunately, since the demand for education has inflated, public funding did not keep up. Public funding shortfalls have resulted in the increased cost of post-secondary education being borne by students.

The growth in average tuition fees

From 1990 to 2014, the national average tuition fees have seen an inflation adjusted increase of over one hundred and fifty per cent (150%). In Ontario, tuition fees have grown over one hundred and eighty percent (180%). For most students—often having spent very little time active within the workforce, other than for part-time work—funding their education has become more and more troublesome.

Students now taking on higher levels of average student loan debt

Many students are now taking on increased levels of debt for their education. Students requiring a Canada Student Loan currently graduate with an average student loan debt of over $28,000. Keep in mind that this is an average, with the costs of graduate education resulting in higher debt levels. Relying on debt to finance education suggests that there is a delay in the full impact of high tuition fees till after graduation—when interest begins to be charged.

Societal issues caused by rising average student loan debt statistics

This impact is now exacerbated by the effects of the most recent recession and the rising trend of precarious, and even unpaid, employment. The broader effects of high levels of student debt on both the person and the general economy are now resulting in various issues:

  • Young Canadians (15-24) accounted for over half of job losses over the last 5 years;
  • Un and under-employment can cost the Canadian economy over $22 billion by 2031;
  • In 2014, youth un and under-employment was twenty-seven per cent (27%);
  • Thirty per cent (30%) of medical students expect to graduate with over $100,000 in student debt;
  • Under-employment and work outside one’s field of study results in talent degradation, falling behind in ability, and lost networking opportunities;
  • Canada has seen a fifteen per cent (15%) growth in Canadians under the age of 30 who still live in their parent’s home since 1981;
  • Those with student debt have a fewer assets, savings or investments compared to debt-free peers.

Average student loan debt causes affect the Canadian economy

Starting out with huge debt and facing a weak labour market, this prevents graduates to fully take part within the Canadian economy. Student debt impacts career selections, even among professional school graduates in medicine and law. An estimate of unpaid internships is in the range of 300,000 graduates working with no pay.

Do you have too much debt? Then contact us now

If you are an individual or company who needs to free themselves from the stress and strain of too much debt, and especially if you have been told your situation is hopeless, Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can prepare and carry out the plan made just for you, to free you from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

Student loan debt has its own set of unique rules and complexities within the Canadian insolvency scheme. If you’re experiencing serious debt issues, contact a professional trustee for a free, no obligation consultation. The Ira Smith Team does not try to write new insolvency law or tax law. Rather, we will evaluate your situation within the existing statutes, and help you to arrive at the best possible solution for your problems, whether that solution is a bankruptcy alternative like credit counselling, debt consolidation or a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. Starting Over, Starting Now you can be debt free with the help of a professional, licensed trustee in bankruptcy. Contact us today.

student loans,student loan debt,student loans explained,student loan debt crisis,student loan crisis,Student Loan (Litera...,Bankruptcy,Student Loan,Debt,Loan,average student loan debt,ontario student loans login,student loan debt statistics,student loan debt canada,manage student loan,ira smith trustee,consumer proposal,canadian student loan forgiveness,average student loans debt,Student Debt,Trustee (Job Title),Credit, average student loan debt, Canadian Federation of Students, the impact of student debt, student debt, debt, loan debt, student loan debt, tuition fees, inflation, Ontario, economy, Canadian economy, internships, trustee, bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternative, credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposal, trustee in bankruptcy, student loan debt statistics

 

Categories
Brandon Blog Post

#VIDEO: CRA PHONE SCAM: IF YOU WATCH ONLY 1 VIDEO WATCH THIS ONE!#

Our blog about the CRA phone scam titled: CANADA REVENUE AGENCY SCAMS: IF YOU READ ONE ARTICLE, READ THIS ONE is one of our most viewed. Since it is so popular, we thought we would put together a short video on the topic as well.

There are many fraud types, including new ones invented daily. CRA’s website warns Canadians about the CRA phone scam, which is also sometimes called the India scam. The Toronto Star also published a story on this topic: Beware phony CRA tax owing calls. The problem is rampant.

Stay wary and vigilant to not fall for the CRA phone scam

Taxpayers must be vigilant when they receive, either by telephone (including voicemail), mail, text message or email, a fraudulent communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requesting personal information such as a social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number.

These scams, increasingly a scam phone call, may insist that they need this personal information so that the taxpayer can receive a refund or a benefit payment. Cases of fraudulent communication could also involve threatening or coercive language, including threats of prosecution for tax evasion, to scare people into paying fictitious debt to the CRA. Other communications urge taxpayers to visit a fake CRA website where the taxpayer is then asked to verify their identity by entering personal information. These are scams and taxpayers should never respond to these fraudulent communications or click on any of the links provided.

Educate yourself so that you do not fall prey to the CRA phone scam

To identify communications not from the CRA, be aware of CRA’s guidelines.
If you receive a call saying you owe money to the CRA, you can call the real CRA taxation office or check your CRA online “My Account” to be sure. If you have signed up for online mail (available through My Account, My Business Account, and Represent a Client), the CRA will do the following:

  • send a registration confirmation email to the address you provided for online mail service for an individual or a business; and
  • send an email to the address you provided to tell you when new online mail is available to view in the CRA’s secure online services portal.The CRA will not do the following send email with a link and ask you to divulge personal or financial information.

If you have too much debt, contact us

If you are an individual or company who needs to free themselves from the stress and strain of too much debt, and especially if you have been told your situation is hopeless, Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can prepare and carry out the plan made just for you, to free you from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

If you’re experiencing serious debt issues with the CRA, or for any reason, contact a professional trustee for a free, no obligation consultation. The Ira Smith Team does not try to write new insolvency law or tax law. Rather, we will evaluate your situation within the existing statutes, and help you to arrive at the best possible solution for your problems, whether that solution is a bankruptcy alternative like credit counselling, debt consolidation or a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. Starting Over, Starting Now you can be debt free with the help of a professional, licensed trustee in bankruptcy. Contact us today.

cra scams phone number, cra phone number, cra phone scam, scam phone call, scam call, india scam, voicemail, tax evasion, canada revenue agency phone scam

Call a Trustee Now!