The federal government has increased the audit and enforcement resources of the Canada Revenue Agency by $30 million. The money will help the CRA in its efforts to discourage offshore tax havens.

The measure, contained in Wednesday’s federal budget, will also boost the government’s cooperation with tax authorities from other countries to fight international tax evasion, says a finance department spokesman. Despite global cooperation, aggressive tax-planning continues, he adds.

As part of increasing tax compliance, Ottawa also plans to strengthen the Excise Tax Act to enable liability to be imposed on corporate directors who make improper claims for GST credits. Businesses will also be able to verify the GST-status of their suppliers through a web-based registry.

The federal government expects additional revenue generated by increased audit and enforcement activity to offset the $30-million expenditure.