For several months, we’ve been hearing stories from artists that have recently been reviewed, reassessed, and even audited by the Canada Revenue Agency. In May, CARFAC released this statement, and we have been working with an Artist Taxation subcommittee of the Canadian Arts Coalition on this issue. The Coalition has posted an Artist Taxation Briefing Note.
If you are an artist who has been reassessed and/or audited by the Canada Revenue Agency, please share your story with the Canadian Arts Coalition and CARFAC.
The Artist Taxation committee was created in partnership with many National Arts Service Organizations. April Britski of CARFAC National has been leading this committee, with support from Co-Chair Kate Cornell from the Canadian Dance Assembly. The Committee is focused on the fair treatment of professional artists regarding taxation. The Committee is in regular communication with the Canada Council for the Arts and with senior officials at the Canada Revenue Agency. This significant file is moving quickly, and the government is listening. Please see the Canada Council statement here.
The Coalition will also work with NASOs to discuss various policy options in the coming months. In partnership with Mass Culture, we will invite stakeholders to regional meetings to talk about taxation policy issues, so that we may engage in dialogue and be able to present an enhanced picture of the issue.