Useful information from the Canada Revenue Agency site

[Ciel]

We're thinking about the 2014 income tax season!

I popped over to the CRA site and found some links in terms of information useful for professional tax preparers, charities and people wanting to know where the volunteer tax clinics are in their provinces.

Tax professionals-new for 2015
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/txtps...5-eng.html?rss

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/taxprofessionals/

On March 28, 2013, the CRA launched a new series of income tax technical publications, called the income tax folios. Over the next several years, the folios will update and replace the interpretation bulletins. For more information, see Introducing Income Tax Folios and Income Tax Folio Index

Mandatory electronic filing for tax preparers
Starting in 2013, tax preparers who file more than 10 returns will be required to file them electronically.

I was not aware of this requirement but I only do my own return. This is likely familiar news to the tax preparers who have their own tax season business from home/mobile sites.


Charities webinars-CRA wants Canadians to help promote awareness of the information:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/.../menu-eng.html

A-Z index of topics for charities: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/.../menu-eng.html

Volunteer tax clinics in Canada-there may be a date range or year-round service for the tax clinics. Also, the clinics may be restricted to certain income situations or demographics.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/v.../menu-eng.html

Businesses needing some online videos can look here:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/vnts/menu-eng.html

Need a paper return T1 personal income tax package?

The 2014 tax package is available to view and print on the CRA website. For previous-year packages, go to tax packages for all years.

If you are not able to print your own package, you can order one using the online order form or call the CRA and ask us to mail a package to you.

The T1 general income tax and benefit package for 2014 will be available on February 2, 2015 at all Canada Post outlets and Service Canada offices.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/t1gtrd...eng.html#_4stp

[jasperandchar]

thank you

[terry2144]

Thank you!

[macw1960]

Thanks.

[tjthemanto]

I think my parents still do it the old fashioned way , with paper & pen & mail it in. In a way its good , as it gives them more knowledge and they know about all the rebates, credits , tax laws etc in detail.

Will pick up a couple of copies for them at the SDM post office.

[ticul]

Thanks for the info......................

[Silk]

Thanks for posting, Ciel.

Silk

[walkonby]

good reminder, it's that time again !!

[tjthemanto]

Most T4 slips , T5 slips should arrive by end of Feb. I guess then you are good to go

Don't forget to apply for each & every credit & rebate.. that you are eligible for.

Some you have to apply each & every year, even though you already get it..like HST credit , OTB benefit etc. They are not automatic.

[Shwa Girl]

I think my parents still do it the old fashioned way , with paper & pen & mail it in. In a way its good , as it gives them more knowledge and they know about all the rebates, credits , tax laws etc in detail.

Will pick up a couple of copies for them at the SDM post office.

I think that there is a form online to ask for forms to be mailed
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/puborder.cgi?lang=en

[Ciel]

I normally would get mailing labels for my paper return by mid-January but not this year nor last year.

I used the Sudbury ON tax centre envelope for mailing the return in. The notice of assessment came from PEI, which the tax centre that deals with our part of Hamilton for tax returns.

[tjthemanto]

Do they also start processing electronic returns mid - February , or is it sooner than that ? Or is mid- Feb only for paper returns ?

I have received all my T4 slips , T5 slips today ( got them online )..so I don't know if I should file my taxes ( Efile ) sooner..or wait till Feb ?

Edit : Looks like its starts on Feb 9

The NETFILE program will be open for transmissions on February 9, 2015, until January 15, 2016, for the electronic filing of your 2014 personal income tax and benefit return. Tax returns filed via NETFILE must first be prepared using a NETFILE-certified product.

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http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/t...prcss-eng.html

When can I expect my refund?

We usually process paper returns in four to six weeks.

However, we start to process returns in mid-February, so do not call before mid-March, even if you filed your return in January. If you filed your return on or before April 15, wait four weeks before you call. If you filed your return after April 15, wait six weeks before you call.


We can process returns filed electronically (EFILE and NETFILE) in as little as eight business days, but wait at least four weeks before you call.
To find out about your 2014 refund, go to How can I verify the status of my refund?.

[tjthemanto]

I normally would get mailing labels for my paper return by mid-January but not this year nor last year.

I used the Sudbury ON tax centre envelope for mailing the return in. The notice of assessment came from PEI, which the tax centre that deals with our part of Hamilton for tax returns.

Yeah , they have now stopped mailing the tax forms & packages to the house...and the mailing label, which came with it.

So you can now only pick it up in a post office or CRA drop in centres. I think they stopped a couple of yrs back.

You don't need an Access Code to E-File anymore , that used to be on the mailing label they used to send you along with the forms/package in the mail..so now they don't send you anything , as its not required anymore.

You just have to write your name & addy with your hand now & mail it to them.

[Ciel]

Some tax places are likely doing returns for clients with social assistance income this month if they have all their information slips.
I noticed that H&R Block has moved into a former tourism office site near their Gore Park location in downtown Hamilton. Right near some bus stops!

[JKD2015]

Great info, thanks!