NEWMARKET - The Brant Group Ltd., of Richmond Hill, was found guilty on two counts of GST fraud in Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on May 13, 2008. The company was fined $150,000. When individuals or corporations are convicted of GST offences, in addition to court fines, they must repay any amounts falsely obtained, plus interest and any civil penalties that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assesses.

"Canadians have to be confident that the administration of the tax system is fair," said William V. Baker, Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency. "That's why the Agency works to ensure that the vast majority of Canadians who pay their taxes are not penalized by the few those who don't."

A CRA investigation revealed that The Brant Group Ltd., a consulting firm, tried to obtain a GST refund of $214,806 by claiming fraudulent input tax credits on the GST return filed for the reporting period from May 14, 2003 to June 30, 2003. The CRA was able to stop the refund before it was issued to the company.

The Agency seeks publicity on convictions to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the self-assessment system and to increase compliance with the law through the deterrent effect of media coverage.