Most Canadians think GST cheating is not a serious offence

The majority of Canadians believe that cheating on the GST is excusable as the state is all-powerful compared to ordinary Canadians who are just trying to save money. Perhaps Canadians have a libertarian streak after all.

It's "excused because it is seen as the little guy trying to save a little money," a federal report explained.

Despite all this, the Canadian Revenue Agency reportedly loses $2.9 billion every year as a result of Canadians not paying GST through cash exchanges.

"Cash payments are often spur of the moment and very small, and so not considered particularly relevant or material," continued the report.

In the report, the Canadian Revenue Agency also noted that Canadians consider under-the-table cash payments less serious than highway speeding, littering while driving, stealing at work, using a disabled parking spot without a permit.

All in all, few Canadians consider these cash payments to be on the list of high crimes.

"Almost all general public participants considered paying cash for goods to avoid taxes a relatively less serious activity compared to others," the report declared.