Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 27, 2009... The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) would like to remind flood affected Manitobans that the extended deadline of midnight Monday, June 1, 2009 to file their personal income tax returns is fast approaching.
"The Government of Canada remains sensitive to the difficulties that people and business may have encountered during this flooding," said the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture and Agri-Food). "As we have done in the past, the CRA will continue to provide relief to taxpayers in natural disasters by giving special consideration to taxpayers who are unable to meet their tax obligations due to the disaster."
Individuals are also reminded that benefit payments such as the Goods and Services Tax Credit, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Canada Child Tax Benefit are based on the previous year's family income so it's very important to file even if they don't owe any money or are not expecting a refund.
The Agency is also advising flood affected taxpayers who are still unable to file their personal income tax returns by the extended deadline to contact the CRA to apply for taxpayer relief. The taxpayer relief provisions give the CRA the discretion to waive or cancel penalties and interest when taxpayers are unable to meet their tax obligations due to circumstances beyond their control, such as flooding.
The filing deadline for self-employed individuals and their spouses is June 15, 2009. Businesses are reminded that taxpayer relief provisions are also available for those who are unable to meet their tax obligations due to the flooding. Requests for taxpayer relief are considered by the CRA on a case-by-case basis.
Taxpayers affected by the flooding who have any questions or concerns regarding their tax matters can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 or the Business Window at 1-800-959-5525 and may submit their request in writing using the Taxpayer Relief Request form RC4288, Request for Taxpayer Relief.
