Prison sentence and $533,251 fine for income tax expert found guilty of tax fraud

Montréal, Quebec, March 31, 2006… Christian Avard, an income tax expert operating under Le Pro de l’impôt, pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges before the Court of Quebec in Montréal on March 13. He was fined $533,251, which represents 100% of the tax evaded, and received a fixed 12-month prison sentence.
A Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) investigation showed that for the tax years 1997 to 2002, Avard encouraged many of his clients to evade tax by sharing in tax refunds illegally obtained. Furthermore, without the knowledge of his clients, he claimed bloated tax refunds to which the taxpayers were not entitled, and had the refunds mailed to him so he could cash them.
On another count, for the tax years 1997 to 2001, Avard failed to declare $307,008 of income from his delivery business, thus evading the payment of $68,742 in income tax with the help of nominees. On this count he was fined $68,742, which represents 100% of the tax evaded.
Taxpayers found guilty of tax fraud must pay the full amount of taxes, all related interest, and any civil penalties that apply, as well as the fine imposed by the Court.
“The vast majority of Canadians pay their taxes in full and on time. The Canada Revenue Agency has strong and effective programs to identify those who try to avoid paying what they owe,” said Michel Dorais, Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency.