#Canada; #CRA; #CanadaTaxes; #CanadaOnlineTaxing
Ottawa/CMEDIA: Canada’s tax-filing system has officially been opened by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) meaning that Canadians can now file their 2021 income tax and benefit returns online as the challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic still persist.
The deadline for filing their income tax and benefit returns for 2021 is April 30, 2022. Because since this date is a Saturday, your return will be considered filed on time if the CRA receives it or it is postmarked on or before May 2, 2022. Similarly, your payment will be considered made on time if it is received by the CRA or processed at a Canadian financial institution on or before May 2, 2022.
A new online learning tool has been launched by CRA to help in learning about taxes so you can do them on your own.
T4A slips for COVID-19-related benefits from the CRA in 2021, such as the Canada Recovery Benefit, will be mailed to you by the end of February 2022. Residents of Quebec will receive a T4A slip and an RL-1 slip. T4A slips for COVID-19-related benefits will also be provided online if you’re registered for My Account and have full access. Auto-fill my return service in certified tax filing software also provides T4A information slips, including information for COVID-19-related benefits. This service automatically fills in parts of an income tax and benefit return with information that the CRA has on file. To use the service, you must be registered for My Account, a secure portal that lets you manage your taxes and benefits online. certified tax-filing software. If you own a business, you can also sign up for My Business Account. As of February 7, 2022, you are required to provide an email address to use My Account. You will receive an email if important information such as your address or direct deposit information has been changed on CRA records. These notifications can act as an early warning about potential fraudulent activity.
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) may be able to complete and file your tax return for free for people with modest income. Services are currently being offered both in-person and through virtual means such as video-conferencing. Free tax clinics web page helps in locating a clinic.
You may be eligible to claim a deduction of up to $500 for home office expenses in the 2021 tax year using the temporary flat rate method if you worked more than 50 percent of the time from home for a period of at least four consecutive weeks due to COVID-19. This method can also be used if your employer-provided you a choice to work from home due to COVID-19 during this period.
Quotes
“I am proud of the way that the CRA has responded to the challenges we have faced these past few years…I can assure Canadians that this is a strong team that is there to help them file their returns so that they receive the benefits and credits they are entitled to,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue in today’s news release.
