While the majority of Canadian taxpayers file their income tax returns by electronic means, paper returns can still be filed with and processed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The Agency will be sending the forms needed to paper-file an income tax return for 2023 to taxpayers who filed on paper last year, and such packages should be received by February 19, 2024. Beginning this year, however, such tax return packages will no longer include a line-by-line guide to how to complete the return.
The CRA made this change after hearing feedback from individuals who file on paper. The majority of these individuals confirmed that they rarely use the line-by-line instructions when filing. If you need more information, you will find URLs in the income tax package that will lead you to relevant web pages. The CRA has optimized web pages on Canada.ca to be more user-friendly, with user experience-tested improvements.
Alternatively, you can also file your taxes by SimpleFile by phone. In previous years, you may have received an invitation in your tax package to use the CRA’s automatic tax filing service, SimpleFile by phone (formerly File My Return). This year, if you are eligible, the CRA will automatically send you an invitation in the mail or notify you by email. Through this service, you’ll be asked to verify some personal information and answer a series of short questions. You do not need to speak to an agent to use the SimpleFile by phone service. Answers to the questions are provided using your phone’s keypad.
Did you know that almost 93% of tax returns were filed electronically in 2023? Filing electronically is fast, as returns are generally processed within two weeks. On the other hand, it may take up to eight weeks to process a paper return.
If you would like help with dealing with the CRA or would like to know more about taxable benefits, please feel free to call us at (905) 305-9722 or email us at info@eigenmachtcrackower.com and we will help you out!
