WEYBURN - When you think about your favourite ways to spend your time, filing an income tax and benefit return probably isn't at the top of your list. That is why the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) is working to make tax-filing as easy as possible, so you can get back to things you would rather do.
Don't forget, if you're retired or 65 years of age or older, then your sources of income may change, and you have to include these new sources of income on your tax return.
Filing an income tax and benefit return annually is important to ensure you receive any refund, benefit, or credit payments you may be entitled to. Here's information to get started:
First things first! How to avoid scams and fraud
Keeping our money and information safe is important to all of us. It can feel impossible to know every type of scam out there, so understanding how and when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) contacts Canadians will help you distinguish between real and fraudulent communications. The Scam prevention and the CRA webpage provides more information to help you recognize the signs of a scam and learn about the ways that we may contact you.
Online filing and digital services are the way to go!
If you have been filing your taxes on paper, make this the year you file online. We have a list of NETFILE-certified tax software products that are easy to use, fast, and secure, some of which are free! This software will walk you through the tax-filing process, including sending your tax return directly to the CRA. What's great is that you'll get immediate confirmation that we received your tax return.
With NETFILE, you may be able to use these secure services:
Auto-fill my return allows you to automatically fill in parts of your income tax and benefit return with information that the CRA has available at the time of the request. This service can retrieve information from the current year and seven years prior.
Express NOA allows you to view your notice of assessment (NOA) in your certified tax software and in My Account, immediately after the CRA receives and processes your return.
If you combine online filing with direct deposit, you could get any refund you're owed in as little as eight business days. Paper returns aren't as fast, and it could take up to eight weeks to process them.
If you ever get stuck or have a question, you can introduce yourself to Charlie, our friendly chatbot. You can find Charlie on the CRA home page and many of our other web pages on Canada.ca. Just ask your question and Charlie will try to help you find the information you need.
Take control of your tax affairs with My Account
Have you heard about My Account? If you don't have My Account, you should get it. It's the fastest and easiest way to manage your tax and benefit information.
With My Account, you can also:
- view or change your return
- update your personal information the CRA has on file
- submit documents
- track the progress of your files and inquiries
- check if you have any uncashed cheques, and more!
- Go to About My Account and Digital services for individuals for more information.
