CRA/WCB of Nova Scotia joint payments

In January 2000, the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (now the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)), introduced the Assessment Payment Plan (APP) - a new way for employees doing business in Nova Scotia to calculate and pay their WCB premiums.

Under the APP:

• Premiums are based on actual payroll, rather than on estimates.
• Payments are spread throughout the year, rather than one payment at the beginning of the year, improving cash flow for businesses.
• Payroll information and payments are provided to the CRA and forwarded to the WCB.
• Calculations have been simplified. Many of the WCB's business rules and definitions are aligned with those of the CRA.
• Premiums are paid at the same time and frequency that payroll deductions are made to the CRA.
• Businesses have more payment options. This makes it easier to pay WCB of Nova Scotia premiums electronically through the bank, in person at the bank or any CRA office, or by mail to the CRA.

The CRA receives payments on behalf of the WCB, and then transfers the amounts collected and the relevant transaction information to the WCB. The WCB has retained its own assessing and accounting systems.

This collaborative initiative streamlines requirements and provides single-window, client-centered government service.

Registering for WCB of Nova Scotia accounts

One way of obtaining a WCB of Nova Scotia account is by using the Business Registration Online (BRO) service at www.businessregistration.gc.ca. This easy-to-use, self-help system guides users through the process by asking them questions that determine their registration needs.

TeleReply

The CRA and the WCB of Nova Scotia have introduced TeleReply, a convenient telephone service for reporting payroll information:

• When no CRA payroll deduction remittance is being made during a remittance period.
• When employers registered with the WCB of Nova Scotia are required to report payroll information, but are not making a payment.

To use TeleReply, call the toll-free number 1-800-959-2256.

For more information about TeleReply for WCB of Nova Scotia employers, click here.

For more information about TeleReply for CRA clients, click here.

For more information

To get a copy of the WCB's Technical Guide to the Assessment Payment Plan, send an email request to the WCB of Nova Scotia at assess@wcb.gov.ns.ca. You can also call 1-902-491-8324 or 1-877-211-9267 toll free.

You can also visit the WCB of Nova Scotia Web site at www.wcb.ns.ca.

Learn more about the Business Registration Online service.