It’s tax time: Don’t panic. There is free tax help

Did you know?

Whether you are completing your income tax and benefit return by yourself or getting help from someone else, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and its community partners are here for you. Even if you have little or no income, you should file your income tax return—you may be eligible for credits and benefits. Filing your return is the key to getting your goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credit and the Canada child tax benefit, among others.

Things you can do

Do it yourself with free tax software. Using tax software to complete a return yourself and file it electronically has seen increased popularity. Last year, over 80% of Canadians filed online. And while most people purchase software to complete their return, many companies also offer free online software that you can use if your tax situation is relatively simple. The CRA updates the list of certified software, including free ones, on its website every year. Get the list here: www.netfile.gc.ca
Get the help of a friend or a relative. Many Canadians get the help of someone they trust to complete their tax return. If you also want this individual to take care of your tax affairs, such as file your tax return, check your refund, and access your information on My Account, don’t forget to give them the permission to do so on your behalf by completing and submitting Form T1013, Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative.
Visit a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program clinic. The CRA and your local community organizations and their volunteers work together to help eligible individuals with modest incomes and simple tax situations. These volunteers can help you prepare and submit your income tax and benefit return for free at tax preparation clinics, which are usually held from February to April every year. For more information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer.
Use My Account to keep track of your tax and benefit affairs. My Account allows you to track your refund, view or change your return, check your benefit and credit payments and your RRSP limit, and set up for direct deposit. Check out what else you can do in My Account and then sign up!

CRA online services make filing easier and getting your refund faster

CRA 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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