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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.'"

5 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. 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?
  4. 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.

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    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.