Alan Walker Tax Remission Order

Summary#

On May 16, 2022 the federal government issued the Alan Walker Remission Order under the Financial Administration Act. The order cancels certain income taxes, late-filing penalties and related interest that Alan Walker owed for the 2001–2005 tax years. It was published in the Canada Gazette on May 25, 2022.

What it does#

• Remits (forgives) income tax amounts that were paid or payable by Alan Walker for the following years:
  • 2001: $789.86
  • 2002: $1,045.23
  • 2003: $1,129.51
  • 2004: $7,967.32
  • 2005: $682.19
• Remits the late-filing penalties that were paid or payable by Alan Walker for those same years:
  • 2001: $134.28
  • 2002: $177.69
  • 2003: $192.02
  • 2004: $1,341.97
  • 2005: $115.97
• Remits all relevant interest that had been charged on those taxes and penalties.
• The order says the extra tax arose from circumstances beyond Mr. Walker’s control and that collecting it would be unjust. The amounts relate to Part I of the Income Tax Act.

Who's affected#

• Directly affects Alan Walker — this is a one-person remission order.
• The remission was made on the recommendation of the Minister of National Revenue.
• There is no indication in the notice that it changes rules or affects other taxpayers.

Why it matters#

• For Alan Walker, it removes the obligation to pay the listed taxes, penalties and interest for 2001–2005.
• It shows the government can cancel specific tax amounts when it judges collection would be unjust because of factors outside a taxpayer’s control.
• For the public, it’s an example of a case-by-case relief measure rather than a change in tax law or policy.