Small businesses still being taxed on carbon rebates, federation says – National [Video]

Small businesses across Canada are still being taxed on their carbon tax rebates despite a commitment from the former finance minister that they would be tax-free, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

The business group says it has been informed by the Canada Revenue Agency that the rebate is considered government assistance to taxpayers and that it’s subject to income tax.

The federation says the CRA also told it that former finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s announcement last year that the rebate will be tax free, and the fall economic statement that made a similar commitment, “were not accompanied by proposed legislative amendments.”

The prorogation of Parliament is not making the situation any easier, says CFIB president and CEO Dan Kelly, as only new legislation presented in Parliament can override this decision.

“It’s just the most unhelpful time to provide even more tax uncertainty at a time when businesses are scrambling …