We Help Clients Across Canada
Tax Law is under Federal Jurisdiction therefore we can, and do, represent individual and corporate clients from across Canada.
We take a Personal Stake in Client Outcomes
We take a personal stake in client outcomes. After years of the practice of tax law and dealing with Canada Revenue Agency we are acutely aware of how the government agency sometimes disregards taxpayer rights. We are also aware that the system is designed to maintain the tax base regardless of potential damage to taxpayers. An example of this is that even if a taxpayer appeals a GST/HST tax assessment CRA collection actions continue. Accordingly, the challenge is to manage and limit the damage from collections while appealing what in many cases turns out to be an inflated assessment because of auditor incentives.
We Specialize in Tax Law
SpenceDrake Tax Law solely practices Tax Law including disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency and before the Tax Court of Canada and other Federal courts, including the Federal Court of Appeal. We regularly assist taxpayers with CRA audits, disputing Tax assessments (Notice of Assessment, etc.) before CRA Appeals Officers and the courts.
Choose your Tax Representative Carefully
The practice of Tax Law is complicated, and you need someone with an abundance of experience to represent you to enhance your chances of success. We strongly suggest that if you do not choose us, make sure you choose someone with plenty of Tax Law experience, otherwise you are handicapping your case from the outset.
Tax Law is Complex
Tax law is complex and consistently changing. The primary Federal tax legislation includes the Income Tax Act and Excise Tax Act (GST/HST). The Income Tax Act is over 3000 pages. The Excise Tax Act is over 1000 pages. There is also a myriad of rules, regulations, CRA interpretations and provincial Tax legislation. And of course, decades of decisions of the Tax Court of Canada and other courts (case law). There is no other area of law in Canada with such a robust and complicated legal paradigm.
Lawyer-Client Privilege & Confidentiality (Solicitor-Client Privilege)
Confidentiality is very important to us. We of course understand that you may have information that you do not want to disclose to the CRA. SpenceDrake Tax Law ensures solicitor-client privilege. Therefore, you can openly discuss any and all issues related to your tax matter without fear of disclosure.
A Couple of Key Facts about the Practice of Tax Law
1. There is a reverse onus in Tax Law. Therefore, the taxpayer has the burden to prove their position to CRA. In practice, CRA is permitted to assume facts until they are rebutted by the taxpayer. A simple example of this is a Notional or Arbitrary Tax assessment. If you do not file a Tax return you may receive such an assessment which is based on factual assumptions by CRA. The respective Tax liability is legitimate under the law until you rebut it and file your own return.
2. CRA auditors are incentivized to increase taxable income. Therefore, without adequate representation it is very difficult to, in the least, limit the increase.
We use Practice Management Software
Your file is stored electronically using robust practice management software. The software stores all emails, notes, documents, tasks and more. A user can set a task for any staff and reminders are sent to email. Staff working on the file have access to the data they need and are instantly informed of changes. Efficient access to file data helps with efficient file outcomes.
Some law firms still do not use practice management software and rely on paper files. Tax law is complex and practice management software enables competent management of your file.

How can SpenceDrake Tax Law Help?
We are Tax Law experts. It is what we do for a living. Regardless of how far along you are in the Tax dispute process, SpenceDrake Tax Law can help.
We have years of extensive experience managing audits, appealing assessments, investigating tax problems, and a wide variety of other Tax issues. Our entire purpose is to work to resolve your Tax issue and ensure that CRA treats you according to the government’s published standards, including the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. We strive to resolve your Tax problems efficiently and cost-effectively and enjoy doing just that.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us here or book a Free Consultation with a Tax Lawyer.