Due May 30th, 2010 - We want you to create a video that shows us, in your words, using your creativity and video ability, why the underground economy is bad for all of us.

Here are some basic facts to get you started.

What is the underground economy?
You participate in the underground economy when you fail to declare income that you earn. For example:

This may include things like:
    * not reporting a business activity (moonlighting);
    * not reporting part of a business activity (skimming); and
    * not reporting employment income (cash income).

Why is it a problem?
   1. It's a problem for social programs we all use: Unpaid taxes mean less money for important social programs that we all use, such as education, health care, employment insurance, and childcare. That's not right.
   2. It's a problem for the economy and Canadian prosperity: The underground economy undermines the competitiveness of businesses because it creates an unfair, illegal advantage to those who fail to comply with Canada's tax laws. If some companies dodge their tax responsibilities and pass those “savings” on to consumers, they aren't playing on a level playing field with legitimate businesses that do pay their taxes. That's not good.
   3. It's a problem for you: Those who participate in the underground economy avoid their tax responsibilities at yourexpense and place an unfair burden on all law-abiding taxpayers. That's not fair.

There are consequences to dodging taxes. Getting caught means penalties, interest, and in some cases even jail time.

Any way you look at it, the underground economy is your problem. Here's your chance to do something about it. Participate in our challenge. Make a video, and make your point.

Videos should be between one and two minute long and be in either English or French.

Click 'Visit Contest' for complete details.

Prize
If we like what you come up with, you could win the 2010 CRA Independent Video Producer Award and be invited to attend (at our expense, of course) an award reception in Ottawa for the premiere of your video on the CRA Web site.

An all-expense-paid trip to Ottawa and a reception in your honour—not too shabby! And your video could be seen by millions of Canadians. It may be used in future advertising campaigns and outreach initiatives.

Eligibility
You must be a Canadian resident. You must be 18 years old or older to participate OR have signed consent from a parent or legal guardian.