The federal government might have won praise for how easy it is to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit , but that hasn’t stopped at least one tax consultant from charging clients to help with the process, a development that has left some politicians and legal advocates concerned and disappointed.
Successful CERB applicants — those who have lost their jobs or had their income levels drop below $1,000 per month due to COVID-19, as well as those who are sick with the virus or have to take care of a loved one stricken by COVID-19 — receive $2,000 every four weeks from the federal government until October, when the program is due to end.
“As you know, taxes can be complicated and many Canadians opt to engage tax preparers, accountants or other professionals,” Shomer said. “In this particular case, our service includes explaining the program, assessing qualification, assisting with application and providing free audit support in the event that the CRA objects or requires further information.”
Derrick , a contractor in Edmonton, said he temporarily lost his job due to the pandemic, but did not have an online CRA account so he did not know how to apply for CERB. Upon learning he had to pay Canada Tax Reviews $160 after receiving the benefit, he opted not to use the service. The CERB application process has been generally praised for how simple it is , with applicants saying they received their $2,000 within days of applying.
Why would they? That’s quite sad.
Isn't this what PostmediaNews wanted to see with all the op-eds and other bullshit writing?