How to File a Tax Return in Canada

In the past, as spring would approach, the concern of many citizens would turn to gathering paperwork and spending hours working on tax forms. It might take a few nights or some professional help in order to get everything together. Then it was a matter of getting it all in an envelope and waiting on line at the post office so it could be mailed on time. Now there are several options available to file a tax return.

If you are planning to file your taxes yourself, you have a few options available to you. With the increased use in technology, more and more people are filing their returns electronically. This allows you to perform this task from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.

Filing online is a safe, secure and quick method to transmit your tax returns. Federal taxes can be filed directly with the Canada Revenue agency through the use of their own filing program. All you need is one of the readily available tax preparation programs or web applications certified by them so it meets all their requirements.

You also have the option to file your return via the telephone. This is a quick and easy service that allows you to safely provide all your information over the phone. Just simply complete your paper form, call the number using a touch-tone phone and have some of your personal information available, such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN). In many cases, you can file over the phone at no charge.

Filing over the telephone is not on option everyone can use, however. Generally speaking, it is only ideal to use if you are an individual that has a common or less complicated tax situation. There is a number that is provided by the Canada Revenue Agency that you can call to check and see if you are eligible to use this service.

Of course, you can always use the oldest method available and that is to simply file by mail. You need to fill out all your forms and paperwork and place all of your information in the envelope provided with your forms. All you have to do then is mail the envelope to the tax centre for processing.

You can also seek the help of a professional tax preparer to assist you with filing all your paperwork. If you use a filing service, they can file all your paperwork for you electronically. This will significantly speed up the process for you and help ease any anxiety or questions you may have about filling out the forms properly.

There are several options available to citizens when it comes to decide how to file a tax return. Choosing the best one that suits you personally and your needs is important. Whether it is electronically, by phone, by mail or through a tax service, be sure that you are comfortable with the method so the process goes smoothly.

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