Canada Revenue Agency tax dispute statistics

Settlement, Withdrawal & Adjudication
Canada Revenue Agency tax dispute statistics
Canada Revenue Agency tax dispute statistics
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The Canada Revenue Agency Appeals Branch provided our firm with the following statistics related to the number of tax dispute and tax litigation files along with the rates of settlement, withdrawal and adjudication.

In June 2012, the CRA reported that:

  • the CRA Appeals Branch receives between 80,000 and 110,000 notices of objection to dispute tax reassessments;
  • approximately 90% of taxpayer notices of objection relate to income tax matters;
  • approximately 92% of notices of objection are resolved at the objection stage (Nota bene. The CRA did not define “resolved” and the meaning of “resolved” is unclear e.g., the CRA did not break-out the percentage of taxpayers who abandoned their files and the percentage taxpayers who were successful in whole or in part and decided to discontinue their tax appeal);
  • in or about 8% of taxpayers who filed notices of objections to reassessments chose to appeal the CRA’s decision to the Tax Court of Canada; and
  • in or about 1/3 of the appeals in the Tax Court are abandoned, 1/3 are settled and 1/3 are adjudicated.

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Tax partner from Price Waterhouse Coopers commending Peter Aprile and the Counter Tax Litigators team for their hands-on, focused, and diligent approach to tax law.

What Accountants Say

Peter Aprile is a very hands on and practical tax lawyer who is very focused and diligent. He is a pleasure to work with.

- Susan Farina, Tax Partner, Price Waterhouse Coopers

Senior VP client with an accounting and finance background praising Counter Tax Litigators for their expertise, dedication, and businesslike approach to tax dispute litigation.

What Clients Say

I’m a Senior VP with an accounting and finance background. I’ve worked with lawyers and large law firms. I was referred to Counter to fix a tax dispute. It is very rare to encounter lawyers that combine expertise, dedication, and a businesslike approach to litigation. I have no hesitation in recommending Counter.

- David Cuddy, Senior Vice-President, Finance & Business Operations, CFL

Accountant representing Fuller Landau LLP praising Counter Tax Litigators for superior communication in resolving client tax disputes.

What Accountants Say

Counter Tax Litigators has worked with Fuller Landau to resolve several of our clients’ tax disputes. Counter delivers superior communication.

- Laura Couvrette, CPA, CA, Fuller Landau LLP

Retired CEO client recommending Peter Aprile and the Counter Tax Litigators team for their competence, honesty, and exceptional handling of legal matters.

What Clients Say

I spent a good part of my career dealing with attorneys on innumerable matters, and found Peter to be extremely competent, open-minded and exceptionally honest. I would not hesitate to use Peter again, and highly recommend the team at Counter Tax Litigators.

- Mark Ram, Retired CEO

Successful business leader praising Counter Tax Litigators’ team for their professional, efficient representation, leading to a highly satisfactory decision.

What Clients Say

Counter’s representation on our behalf was well informed, professional and efficient, which ultimately resulted in a highly satisfactory decision in all aspects.

- Klaus W. Reif, President, Reif Estate Winery

Business leader praising the Counter Tax Litigators team for going above and beyond in handling a significant tax dispute.

What Clients Say

I was amazed with the results. They went above and beyond, and I would recommend Counter to any person or business with a significant tax dispute.

- Brian Grott, Northland Screen Corp

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Recognition

Our law firm and tax lawyers regularly receive
recognition as leaders in tax controversy and litigation.

Award from Legal 500 Canada recognizing Counter Tax Litigators as an Elite Tax Boutique for 2024.
Recognition from Canadian Lawyer for Counter Tax Litigators as a Top Tax Law Boutique for 2023-24
Excellence Award from Canadian Law Awards recognizing Peter Aprile as Litigator of the Year.
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent badge for Counter Tax Litigators, awarded for highest overall client rating.
Recognition from Canadian Lawyer for Counter Tax Litigators as a Top Tax Law Boutique for 2021-22.
Lexpert 2022 Rising Star award for Natalie Worsfold, recognizing her excellence in tax litigation.
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent badge for Counter Tax Litigators, peer-rated for highest level of professional excellence.
FT Innovative Lawyers award recognizing Counter Tax Litigators for advanced systems enhancing tax lawyers' capabilities and outcomes.
Precedent 2022 Innovation Award honoring Counter Tax Litigators for innovation in tax litigation reports.
Fastcase 50 award recognizing Counter Tax Litigators for thought leadership and innovation in tax litigation.