Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Bell on November 3, 2000 regarding payroll tax remittance.
All of the $8.8 million collected in payroll tax in 1999-2000 consisted of tax remittances. Over 90 percent of payroll tax registrants remit the tax on or before the due date, with the bulk of the remainder remitting shortly thereafter.
Recognizing the administrative burden faced by small businesses, the Department of Finance attempts to be flexible in ensuring compliance. However, the department, in following up, does remind late filers of the interest and penalty provisions in the Payroll Tax Act.