Tax Tips from the CRA

The 2023 tax-filing season has begun and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is here to help you get timely and accessible information to file your income tax and benefit return. Find the help you need to get ready and access the benefits, credits, and deductions you may be entitled to, by viewing the tips and links below. Remember, the deadline for most Canadians to file is April 30, 2023, (May 1, 2023 since April 30 is a Sunday).

Digital services are fast, secure, and convenient

If you haven’t already, you should register for My Account. My Account helps you manage your tax affairs online, update your personal information, view your income tax and benefit information, and register for direct deposit.

Last year, 92% of Canadians filed their returns online. It’s that easy! 

If you file online, you may get your refund faster (with direct deposit, you could receive your refund in as little as eight business days). To file online, the CRA has a list of certified tax software products that are easy to use, fast, and secure, some of which are free!

When you file using NETFILE-certified software, you may be able to use:

Do you have a balance owing?

Benefits, credits, and deductions

Phoenix pay system

Are you, your spouse or common-law partner self-employed?

The deadline for self-employed individuals and their spouse or common-law partner to file their return is June 15, 2023. Any balance owing must still be paid by April 30, 2023, (May 1, 2023 since April 30 is a Sunday). If you need to better understand your business tax obligations, possible business deductions, and how to avoid common tax errors, we’re here to help you through virtual meetings with our Liaison Officer service.

Do you know someone that needs information about the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)?

If you know someone who has a modest income, a simple tax situation, and requires assistance, a volunteer from the CVITP (or Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program in Quebec) may be able to complete and file their tax return for free. Services are currently being offered in-person or virtually, by videoconference, by phone, or through a drop-off clinic. To find a clinic, please visit our website.

This year, there are new additions from Budget 2022 that rely on the tax-filing process to establish income eligibility criteria. You may want to share them with friends or family members:

Canada Dental Benefit – This is intended to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 per year. This tax-free benefit provides support for parents and guardians of children under 12 years old if they receive dental care in Canada and do not have access to any private dental insurance. Children already covered under another government dental program may be eligible if not all dental care costs are paid by that program.

One-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit – This aims to help lower-income renters with the cost of rent. They may be eligible for a one-time tax-free payment of $500 if their income and the amount that they pay in rent qualify. The application for this benefit will be open until March 31, 2023.

More questions?

Learn about online filing, deadlines, and helpful links by visiting our Get ready to do your taxes and Learn about your taxes pages. For answers to common questions, check out our questions and answers about filing your taxes page. You can also contact the CRA if you wish to speak to an agent.

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