Minister of National Revenue Eases Requirement Process for CCTB Recipients

OTTAWA - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced today that the Canada Revenue Canada (CRA) is simplifying the application process for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) to make it easier for recipients to confirm their living arrangements and marital status for eligibility purposes.

"The Government of Canada is more determined than ever to make the child tax benefit administration more flexible, and to facilitate the burden of proof placed on Canadians," said Minister Blackburn. "I am pleased to announce that we have streamlined the process so that Canadians can easily exercise their right to receive their related benefit and credit payments."

The CRA recognized that, in the context of a breakdown of the marriage or relationship, it was often difficult to obtain the other spouse's or common-law partner's information in support of the benefit recipient's claim. For that reason, the CRA simplified the review process, and benefit recipients can now assess their situation and provide all required documents in one simple step. With this new process, benefit recipients who worry that the CRA will not receive their former spouse's information may immediately submit two letters from independent third parties to show that they live at a residential address different from their former spouse.

"Last year, over 11 million Canadians were issued benefit payments worth $16 billion," added Minister Blackburn. "We want to keep the system fair for all taxpayers." In 2007-2008, more than 253,000 benefit accounts were reviewed and 65% were adjusted. Many of these adjustments were made to the advantage of individuals and families.

With the new amendments, some of the options available may be more suitable for benefit recipients who are recently separated or divorced. Minister Blackburn noted that, if taxpayers are having difficulty providing the necessary documentation, they may contact the CRA to discuss other possible options.

For more information on the Canada Child Tax Benefit, go to www.cra.gc.ca/cctb.