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The Canadian Taxman Goes Browsing on eBay

Posted by Zonk on from the don't-get-any-ideas-uncle-sam dept.

Kaneda2112 writes "A story in the Globe And Mail points out that the Canada Revenue Agency is now trolling eBay Canada for high volume sellers — looking to make sure eBay's biggest users are accurately reporting their income. They've successfully gotten a court order for the names, addresses, and other personal information for that website's biggest users. 'Canadians spend about $5-billion online each year and eBay is by far the largest electronic marketplace, accounting for about a quarter of the total sales. The site was visited by nearly 11 million Canadians in August, according to company figures. The CRA said in court filings that it is targeting people who qualified for eBay's PowerSeller program in 2004 and 2005. Only top eBay sellers can qualify for the program, which provides benefits to members. Those benefits include prioritized customer service, special promotions and sales tips.'"

9 of 221 comments (clear)

  1. huh? by thatskinnyguy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Can't they just buy the users' information?

    --
    The game.
  2. Extending the list... by A+beautiful+mind · · Score: 4, Funny

    Those benefits include prioritized customer service, special promotions and sales tips.
    ...and a free tax inspection.
    --
    It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
    Be yourself no matter what they say
    1. Re:Extending the list... by RealGrouchy · · Score: 5, Funny

      A+++++++!!! Would definitely subpoena their info again!

      - RG>

      --
      Hey pal, this isn't a pleasantforest, so don't waste my time with pleasantries!
  3. Are you telling me... by locokamil · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... that there are actually 11 million Canadians? Does this figure include moose and grizzly bears?

    1. Re:Are you telling me... by elrous0 · · Score: 4, Funny

      As a hillbilly, I would like to add that, unlike Canadians, the stereotypes about us ARE true.

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    2. Re:Are you telling me... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      We don't say "eh" at the end of ever[y] sentence . . .

      Not every sentence - just the one's ending with questionmarks.
  4. Dear Farmer Johnson by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    You have attempted to buy fertilizer in large quantities on eBay. This has drawn an inquiry from the government. Prepare to have your premises searched for any more explosive materials & terrorist contraband.

    Your cooperation is not an option.

    Sincerely,
    Your Cannuck Government in cooperation with the US Dep. of Homeland Security

  5. Unfamiliar to Americans by benhocking · · Score: 4, Funny

    This is nothing more than an audit and a crackdown on unregistered businesses. In other words, the Canada Revenue Agency is doing its job (this concept may be unfamiliar to Americans when relating to governmental agencies)

    Absolutely. The number one complaint we Americans have is that the IRS doesn't do its job. We all think that it doesn't audit enough people and would be truly satisfied with it if only it were more thorough.

    --
    Ben Hocking
    Need a professional organizer?
  6. Once upon a time on Usenet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I still remember one time on usenet, some jackass out in Alberta (I think) was spamming the forsale newsgroups incessantly trying to scalp a bunch of Playstations back when they were selling at a premium. The spamming and scalping generated a predictable response from the regulars of the groups, with some people even calling this character a bullshit artist who was never going to be able to sell for the prices he wanted. His ego attacked, this jackass started defending the fact he was making tons of money scalping playstations, and when pressed further, he proved his point by scanning and posting copies of the money orders he had received. These included his full name and address.

    I promptly bundled up all the evidence he so kindly provided and sent it off to Canada Revenue Agency along with a nice explanatory note suggesting they audit his ass.

    I still chuckle when I think about it :)