Reverse onus did not apply to facts assumed by the minister subsequent to the expiration of the reassessment period

In the Canadian Income Tax decision Anchor Pointe Energy Ltd. (2006 TCC 424), the Tax Court of Canada concluded that the reverse onus (that requires the taxpayer to disprove Canada Revenue Agency’s assumed facts) did not apply to facts assumed by the minister subsequent to the expiration of the reassessment period. The court concluded that the normal-course rules relating to the reverse onus of proof do not apply where the Minister of Revenue first raises the factual assumptions at the confirmation stage. The Minister has the onus of proof for such assumptions of fact.