OTTAWA, April 4, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can help you to complete and file your income tax and benefit return, every step of the way.
Follow these steps to save time:
Step 1 – Collect all your information showing your income
You need to have all the necessary information, including your T4 or other slips, to file your tax returns online.
Missing a slip? Don't worry! Most slips can be found online in My Account.
Since your time is precious, register for My Account. This fast, easy, and secure service lets you view and manage your tax and benefit affairs online.
Step 2 – Consider using NETFILE-certified tax preparation software
You can file your return online with NETFILE-certified software, which lets you safely send your return to the CRA. The CRA has a list of certified software packages and web applications to fit all budgets, including ones that are free.
Certain software packages also may offer services that make tax filing faster and easier, such as Auto-fill my return and Express NOA (notice of assessment). If you're registered for My Account, you can use Auto-fill my returnto automatically fill in parts of your return with information that the CRA has available at the time of filing. Or take advantage of Express NOA, which delivers an instant assessment result message and, if you are registered for online mail, places a notice of assessment in your certified tax software the next day.
Step 3 – Check that your information is up to date
If there was a big change in your life, like a change of address or marital status, the birth of a child or something else, you need to update your information with the CRA so you keep getting the benefits and credits you are entitled to. Throughout the year, remember to keep your information up to date.
Step 4 – Find out which deductions, credits, and expenses you can claim
The CRA wants you to get all the deductions, credits, and expenses you're eligible for.
Step 5 –Send your return to the CRA
There are several ways to file your return. About 84% of Canadians filed their returns online in 2016. You can also mail your return to your tax centre.
Step 6 – Keep your supporting documents
If you claim deductions or tax credits on your return, keep your receipts and supporting documents for six years from the end of the last tax year to which they relate.
Getting help
You can also ask a tax preparer, a tax professional, or someone else to prepare your returns. You can authorize someone to act for you through My Account or by filling out Form T1013, Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative.
Also, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program helps eligible individuals and families with modest income and a simple tax situation to file a return. To find a clinic near you, use the MyCRA mobile app. For more information about the program, go to cra.gc.ca/volunteer.
For more details on preparing your 2016 income tax and benefit return, visit cra.gc.ca/getready.
Stay connected
To receive updates on what's new at the Canada Revenue Agency:
- Follow the CRA on Twitter @CanRevAgency.
- Follow the CRA on LinkedIn.
- Subscribe to a CRA electronic mailing list.
- Add CRA RSS feeds to your feed reader.
Also, you can watch CRA tax-related videos on YouTube.
SOURCE Canada Revenue Agency
For further information: CRA Media Relations, 613-952-9184
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