No income to report? File anyway, or you could miss out on credits and benefits!

Did you know?

Even if you have no income to report for 2014, you should still file your income tax and benefit return by April 30, 2015, to be eligible to receive certain tax credits and benefits on time.

Important facts

Eligibility for certain benefit payments is based on information from your yearly tax return. If you don't file your income tax and benefit return, you could miss out on these credits and benefits. For example:

the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit and integrated provincial and territorial programs;
the Canada child tax benefit (CCTB) and integrated provincial and territorial programs. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they must also file a return for you to receive your benefit payment; and

Most provinces and territories have child and family benefit and credit programs that are issued with your Canada child tax benefit and the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit.

Keep any receipts and documents for at least six years. If the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reviews your return, you will need your receipts to support your claims.

Why file online this year?

When you file your return online, you receive your refund faster. When you file online and sign up for direct deposit, you may receive your refund in as little as eight days! For information on how to request direct deposit, go to www.cra.gc.ca/directdeposit.
Filing online helps to ensure there are no interruptions to the benefit and credit payments you receive.
Filing online is easy. Certified software programs and web applications (some of which are free to use) guide you through the process, do your calculations for you, and make sure you don't miss out on credits and benefits you may be eligible for. For a list of software and web applications, including free options, go to www.netfile.gc.ca/software.
To file your return online, all you need is your social insurance number and date of birth.
Filing online is secure. The CRA uses the same high level of online security Canadian financial institutions use.

If you want to file your return on paper, you can download and print the form from our website, you can visit your local Canada Post office and pick one up, or you can order one using our online order form. If you do not have access to the Internet or do not live close to a post office, you can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 and ask us to mail a general income tax and benefit package to you.

CRA online services make filing easier and getting your refund faster

The CRA's online services are fast, easy, and secure. You can use them to file your income tax and benefit return, make a payment, track your refund, receive your notice of assessment, and more. Did you know that the Government of Canada is switching to direct deposit for payments that it issues? This includes your tax refund and benefits payments. Sign up for direct deposit today! For more information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/getready.

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