SASKATCHEWAN — As tax season preparations are beginning, some Canadian residents are finding it difficult to secure a paper CRA package to file their taxes.
Yvonne Rediger reached out to SaskToday regarding her 83-year-old mother’s situation. While trying to request a CRA income tax package via the government’s website, Rediger was only met with an error page, explaining that the page may have been moved or deleted.
“The CRA expects people like my mother to download and print the pages for her income tax form. A lot of seniors do not have a printer, let alone a computer to file online,” said Rediger.
Thomas Hrynuik, owner of TWH Taxes & Bookkeeping, said in an interview that the CRA has not removed the option to paper file completely, but is strongly pushing for everyone to complete their returns digitally.
“It cuts down on the need for personnel to go over the returns. They have made it as inconvenient as they can, and not just be picked up at places like the post office,” said Hrynuik.
Aside from hiring a professional to file taxes on your behalf, there are a few non-tech options for seniors or low-income individuals.
“The CRA offers phone options for seniors to complete their return, and some companies offer low-income filing rates for those under certain income levels. In larger centres, some groups prepare returns at no charge or low charge,” added Hrynuik.
The CRA also has the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, a low-income assistance program run by local community organizations, and if you qualify, at no cost. To see if you would qualify for this program and the locations of these clinics, click here. Qualifications and locations will be available for viewing once tax season opens.
SimpleFile Services, formally File My Return, is another free, secure, automated service for filing returns. This is done over the phone; however, Canadian residents must receive an invitation from the CRA to use this service.
Lastly, the Automatic Tax Filing is a pilot service that automatically prepares your return for low-income and vulnerable Canadians who typically don’t file their taxes.
Hrynuik also reminded that Canadian residents should not visit their local Service Canada office, as they will not assist with any tax-related questions or concerns.
And, if none of the above services are feasible for you to file your returns, Hrynuik said, a tax package can be requested by calling the CRA at 1-855-330-3305, be sure to have your Social Insurance Number available.
