Durham MPP Says Businesses Should Receive More Time to Prepare for Harmonized Sales Tax

BOWMANVILLE – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today that the McGuinty government should give Ontario’s businesses more time to make the transition to the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

He noted that a recent Angus Reid poll revealed 54% of small business owners in Ontario won’t be ready to comply with the HST changes that take effect July 1.  The poll was reported in the Financial Post and conducted on behalf of tax management software maker, Intuit Canada. The poll also indicated 79% of small business operators in Ontario and 76% in British Columbia oppose the HST.

Mr. O’Toole said the results confirm what a number of businesses in Durham Riding have told him. “The McGuinty government should have been more proactive in informing businesses what steps must be taken to convert to the harmonized sales tax,” Mr. O’Toole said.  “Essentially, businesses were left to fend for themselves in terms of contacting the government, attending HST seminars or asking advice from their financial advisor.”

Areas in which changes may be required to accommodate the HST include: cash registers; computer software and web sites; special codes for Ontario’s point-of-sale rebates; invoices; sales receipts; purchase orders and expense reports.

“Since the McGuinty government claims the HST will support business, the least it can do is make an extra effort to explain all the HST requirements and give businesses enough time to comply,” Mr. O’Toole said.

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For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433