Ottawa, April 1, 2010... The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, reminds Canadians that the deadline to file their income tax and benefit returns is less than a month away. By using the electronic services offered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Canadians are ensured quicker processing of their returns.
"It is up to Canadians to take advantage of our government's tax credits, deductions, and benefits. The CRA Web site is a useful tool to find out what you can claim on your 2009 income tax and benefit return," said Minister Ashfield. "And the CRA's electronic services simplify the filing process. A new video, "What's new for the 2009 tax-filing season" is now available for viewing on the CRA Web site. You can also get tax-related information specific to your needs by going to
www.canada.gc.ca/taxinfo.
You have until midnight on April 30, 2010 to file your 2009 income tax and benefit return and to pay any balance owing. If you or your spouse or common-law partner carried on a business in 2009, you have until midnight on June 15, 2010 to file your 2009 return, but you still have to pay any balance owing by April 30, 2010. These and other important dates for individual taxpayers can be found at
www.cra.gc.ca/dates-ind.
Income tax and benefit returns can be filed online, through EFILE for authorized service providers or NETFILE for individuals, or by phone, through TELEFILE. They can also be filed on paper.
"Last year, over 58% of all income tax and benefit returns filed were sent electronically, either through EFILE, NETFILE, or TELEFILE. This percentage continues to grow year after year," said Minister Ashfield. Information related to the CRA's electronic services is available at
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/eservices.
Assistance is also available through the CRA's Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS), an automated telephone service that provides general tax information. Individuals can call TIPS at 1‑800‑267‑6999. In addition, the CRA is offering extended evening and weekend hours for the individual income tax enquiry telephone service at 1‑800‑959‑8281. For hours of operation, go to
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/contact.
