Tax evasion prosecuted by the CRA creates a permanent criminal record on CPIC. To clear it, you must pay all court-ordered fines and wait 5 years (summary) or 10 years (indictable) before applying to the Parole Board of Canada for a Record Suspension, which costs $50 CAD.
Many Canadians mistakenly believe that dealing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is strictly a civil or administrative matter. However, if the CRA pursues formal charges against you under the Income Tax Act or the Criminal Code for tax evasion, the result is a massive court fine, potential jail time, and a very real criminal record. This conviction will appear on standard background checks, threatening your employment and reputation.
To move forward and seal this conviction from public view, you must apply for a federal Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada (PBC). 🔒 The Canadian government wants to see that you have completely rectified your relationship with the tax system and are no longer a risk for financial misconduct.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Clearing a tax evasion conviction follows the standard federal rules for criminal pardons. Whether your trial was held in Montreal, Calgary, or Ottawa, the paperwork all flows to the federal government.
Step 1: Paying Fines and Starting the Clock
The biggest hurdle in tax evasion cases is the financial penalty. Courts routinely impose massive fines alongside any jail sentences. 💵 Your official waiting period for a Record Suspension does not begin until every single court-ordered fine, victim surcharge, and day of your sentence is satisfied. Once paid, you must wait 5 years for a summary conviction or 10 years for an indictable conviction.
Step 2: Retrieving Your CPIC Record via Fingerprints
Once you are eligible, you need to prove exactly what is on your file. You must visit an accredited local agency to have your digital fingerprints sent to the RCMP. The RCMP will pull your Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) file and mail you your official criminal record. If the CRA-prosecuted offence is missing details, you will also need to get court documents from the courthouse where you were sentenced.
Step 3: Gathering Police Checks and Rehabilitation Proof
The Parole Board requires a Local Police Records Check from every police jurisdiction you have lived in over the past 5 years. 🔍 Furthermore, you must fill out the Measurable Benefit/Sustained Rehabilitation form. For a tax evasion pardon, you should provide clear evidence that your financial affairs are now in perfect order. Attaching recent CRA Notices of Assessment showing you are fully compliant with your taxes is a highly effective way to prove rehabilitation.
Step 4: Filing with the Parole Board of Canada
Once your extensive package of police checks, court records, and personal statements is complete, you will submit it directly to the PBC in Ottawa. The Board will review your file to ensure that granting the Record Suspension will not bring the justice system into disrepute. If approved, the RCMP will be ordered to seal your record from the active CPIC database.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
While the actual application fee to the government is quite affordable, the costs of obtaining all the mandatory background checks can accumulate. 💰 As of May 2026, here are the estimated costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD):
- Parole Board of Canada Fee: $50 CAD.
- RCMP Fingerprinting: Usually costs between $50 and $85 CAD.
- Local Police & Court Documents: Budget roughly $50 to $150 CAD for local administrative fees.
- Professional Assistance: If you hire a Canadian pardon consultant or law firm to handle the paperwork, fees generally range from $1,000 to $2,000 CAD.
| Service / Document | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application Processing | $50 | Parole Board of Canada |
| Digital Fingerprints | $50 – $85 | Accredited Agency |
| Police Checks | $50 – $150 | Local Police Service |
| Legal Firm (Optional) | $1,000 – $2,000 | Your Representative |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Securing a Record Suspension is a slow process. ⏱️ Putting together the application, fingerprinting, and waiting for courts and police stations to mail you documents usually takes 3 to 6 months. Once the Parole Board accepts your application, they have up to 6 months to process a summary conviction and up to 12 months to process an indictable conviction. Plan for the entire journey to take over a year from the day you start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is tax evasion always a criminal offence?
No. The CRA resolves most tax issues through civil audits and penalties. However, for deliberate and significant tax fraud, the CRA’s Criminal Investigations Program (CIP) will pursue formal criminal charges in court, resulting in a CPIC record.
Do I have to pay back the taxes owed to get a pardon?
Yes. Any court-ordered fines and restitution related to the criminal sentence must be paid in full before your waiting period even begins. If you still owe massive back taxes, the Parole Board may also view this as a lack of rehabilitation.
Will my employer see the conviction while I wait?
Yes. Until the Record Suspension is officially granted and the record is sealed, your tax evasion conviction will appear on any standard Canadian criminal background check requested by an employer.
Can the Record Suspension be revoked?
Yes. If you are convicted of a new criminal offence after your record has been sealed, or if the PBC discovers you lied on your original application, your Record Suspension will be revoked and your past convictions will be unsealed.
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