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Released: 31 May, 1999
Revenue Minister Announces Membership Of Advisory Groups On Electronic Commerce
Ottawa, May 31, 1999The
Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of National Revenue and M.P. (Vancouver
South-Burnaby), today announced appointments to four technical advisory groups
being formed to give ongoing expert advice to Revenue Canada on electronic
commerce issues.
"Revenue Canada is
looking ahead to a rapid expansion in electronic commerce," said Mr.
Dhaliwal. "Electronic commerce offers many opportunities to Canadians both
in business and as consumers. That's why we are looking to partners and
companies involved in this new form of business for advice."
The advisory groups will be
chaired by senior Revenue Canada officials. They bring together almost 40
members with an interest in electronic commerce. This includes business leaders,
lawyers, tax professionals, and computer experts.
Mr. Dhaliwal announced the
formation of the four advisory groups last fall in his response to a
comprehensive report prepared by the Minister's Advisory Committee on Electronic
Commerce, a body made up of tax experts and representatives of industries
involved in electronic commerce or affected by it.
The mandates of the four
technical advisory groups are as follows:
- Advisory
Group on Improving Taxpayer Service:
This group will advise on electronic service delivery to clients, including
such issues as simplifying tax registration and filing requirements, and
establishing quicker and more secure ways of paying taxes and getting
refunds.
- Tax
Compliance and Administration Advisory Group:
This group will deal with the issues involved in establishing a
comprehensive electronic commerce compliance program. Also, it will help
develop Revenue Canada's position on questions such as electronic cash,
digital signatures, encryption, rules for transfer pricing of exports and
imports, and the location of taxpayer books and records.
- Consumption
Tax Advisory Group: This group will advise on applying the goods and
services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) to sales made through electronic
commerce, with particular regard to GST/HST registration for non-residents
and to foreign tax collection agreements.
- Interpretation
and International Co-operation Advisory Group:
This group will advise on how to apply Canada's tax rules to income
generated through electronic commerce. Its mandate will be to help ensure
consistency of taxation between electronic commerce and more traditional
forms of business, taking into account Canada's obligations under
international tax treaties.
A list of members appointed
to the four committees is attached. Information about their background can be
accessed on the Revenue Canada Web site at www.rc.gc.ca
"
35T/99
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