Trends and opportunities in Canadian sales tax
The most significant current trends in the sales tax field.

Sales tax challenges for businesses
Some of the more significant sales tax challenges facing businesses today

Recent articles published by CCH
GST and PST articles published by CCH.

Tips for dealing with tax authorities
Important planning items to be considered during audit and appeal

Common mistakes made in challenging tax assessments
Discussion of common mistakes and tips for avoiding these mistakes

Practise Fundamentals

The cornerstones of my practice are:

Integrity

Quality

Confidentiality

Respect

I am committed to providing the highest level of client service possible. I will not lower my standards under any circumstances.

I will take ownership of your issues. I will aggressively and tirelessly advance your position in matters of dispute with government officials.

I am proud of the work that I do, the reputation which I have earned and of the relationships which I have established in this industry. I will not engage in any activity which could call that work or reputation into issue.

I am committed to adhering to the highest level of professional conduct at all times. One of the hallmarks of a true professional is the placing of the client's interests ahead of the professional’s own interest without exception. I follow this rule every single day in my practice.

In pursuit of the highest level of professionalism and client service I am committed to adhering to the following standards:

I will not take on any project unless I am fully qualified to see it through to the end

I will not take on any project unless I have adequate time to meet the exigencies of the project.

If I am not the best person to deal with your issue I will let you know. I will also offer to assist you in finding another person who is better suited to performing the task that you require.

I will not accept or provide financial incentives as rewards for referrals.

On litigation issues I will provide you with a candid assessment, up front, of the strengths and weaknesses of your case and of your overall likelihood of success. If your likelihood of success is low I will not accept the retainer (but I may suggest alternative methods of resolving the dispute). My assessment will remain in the strictest of confidence. I encourage clients to seek out a "second opinion."

You have the right to expect the highest level of confidentiality with respect to any and all issues discussed with your lawyer. I will fiercely protect your right to confidentiality. For more on confidentiality please see my confidentiality policy.

I am also committed to adhering to the following in the conduct of my practice:

I will provide you with an estimate of fees up front. If there is any deviation from my initial estimate I will let you know immediately and I will provide a full explanation as to why this deviation has occurred.

I will provide your files with the same speed of turnaround which I would expect as a client. Files will not languish.

I will respond to all queries within the shortest possible period of time. In most cases I will be able to respond immediately or at the very least, with the same day.

I will provide you with updated information as to fees/account whenever asked.

I believe that the vast majority of tax disputes are resolvable through open communication, respect, flexibility and hard work. I will endeavour to resolve your tax disputes with these principals in mind.

I am bound, as a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada to uphold the laws of this country and of the Canadian judicial system. I will not engage in any activity which could bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

Retainer policy

I will always have time to take telephone calls or emails to discuss potential issues on an informal basis. I do not charge for this time. Everything which is discussed (including the very fact that you even contacted me) will remain in the strictest of confidence.

I will ask you at the time of retainer to provide me with the names of other entities which are involved in your particular issue. If I am currently acting for or have previously acted for one of those other parties I will not take on your file unless there is absolutely no possibility of a conflict of interest.

If I cannot take on your file I will provide you with a referral to another professional. Your discussion with me will remain in the strictest of confidence.

I will meet all of my obligations in connection with your file (including corresponding with third parties such as government officials) in a prompt manner.

I will mail out invoices monthly (or in small matters quarterly) so that you are always kept up to date.

As a client, you have the right to know the state of your account whenever you want. You should feel free to contact me at any time to enquire as to billings incurred to date. I will, without delay give you those billings right up to the current date.

I enjoy working with clients who meet their obligations in a timely manner.