Tax Returns - Canada
 

Hi Guys

I have a question here that I am sure you lot could help me with :-)

I have been here in Canada since April travelling and then working full time since September. Now, I know its the Tax return deadline fast approaching what do I need to do to submit my taxes as I have been paying tax since September but I am guessing I would be under the threshold?

Any help with this would be much appreciated as I really don't know where to start.

Thanks

Mar

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

If you've been paying tax and think you're under the minimum threshold, you DEFINITELY want to file, as you'll get all of those taxes back.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Ok great, how would I go around this then? speak to someone at H&R Block or is there a cheaper way to do this?

I'm certainly under the min as Iv only been working full time here since September.

Your helps is much appreciated!

Thanks

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

download the software from somewhere like H and R block ( I think their one is free now) , follow the steps and see what happens.

I think you can file online even if it is your first time now.

cra website will help

Get ready to file your 2014 income tax return

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

I'd pay for an accountant. I paid $40 for my return as im on an IEC

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

just out of curiosity, why?

if your tax situation isn't complicated it's very easy to just follow the prompts.

I'm not saying it wasn't appropriate in your case but as generic advice I'd question that.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Thanks guys, Im also on IEC Beckiwoo. Did you get you accountant from H&R Block?

And it only cost $40? that's great!

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

H & R are tax preparers, not accountants at least those who fill in your tax forms are not. Not somewhere I would go, had a bad experience once, never again.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

There are lots of free programs approved by CRA.

I've used Studiotax for the last few years and found it very simple to use.

Certified software for the 2015 NETFILE program

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Great, so you recommend doing this on my own through Studiotax as this has worked for you over the years?

I would like to avoid ridiculous costs to have this done so if this works for free that's great! :-)

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

I'll second Studiotax. Used it on Siouxsie's recommendation last year & it converted me from pen & paper ;). My teen daughter used it without my assistance this year too.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Cost is subjective. If you spend $200 to get $600 back, you are ahead of the game. Using a professional should save you more than they cost, either in time and inconvenience and/or monetary. Our accountant saves us thousands a year.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Because every time I tried using ufile I didn't know what my residency status was and when I changed this and did my world income it changed from $500 - $1000 return.

for the sake of $40 I could not be bothered with the hassle or worry of not filing right.

It was an accountant recommended by a friend. I am not sure how much H&R block cost

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Thanks Beckiwoo.

I guess I should ask around for prices but $40 is great!

I may have a go at Studio tax first and see how I find that and if not get looking for a cheap but decent accountant.

Thanks

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

yeah give it ago. You might get on with it a lot better then I did so you may not need anyone. :)

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

I just helped my daughter file her first Canadian tax return. She used Simple Tax to file electronically. It was indeed simple and it was also free.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Great, il have a look at simple tax also then. How ling does it take to receive the return if you are of course due one?

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

I used Studiotax.

I have been working here from September also - the software made it pretty simple - so simple I thought there was something wrong lol.

I haven't heard back from them yet, so I don't know if I have made a mess of it yet though!

As a first time application, I couldn't file online - I would imagine it's the same for you, so you will have to mail in your application. Subsequent applications you should be able to file online.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Ok so you did yours on Studio tax and printed the forms and send this with a copy of you T4's as evidence?

Its strange how you cant do it online for your first time too?!

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

do a search as I'm fairly certain that changed recently

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Not when I tried with ufile. It still said first time returns had to be mailed as CRA don't have all your details

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Ok so what was it you sent to them your t4's and anything else?

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Studio tax filled in all the forms, I printed those out, attached my T4 and sent that. I linked my wife's return to mine and sent that also (she doesnt work)
But as I think I'm under the limits I don't think it made any difference.

Zoe Bell - first timers have to post in a return as the CRA don't have their details yet. After the first return, subsequent returns can be online.

Unless there have been dealings with the CRA prior to first filing and then they would have your details and you could file online.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Ok Eddmac, so you basically printed and signed the forms they come out with on studiotax and then sent this along with copies of your T4?

Sounds easy, just thinking for me it may be a little tricky as im not a Canadian citizen yet (work permit) and its my first one and so was thinking it may have been a better option to go with an accountant?

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Yes that's exactly what I did.

I'm in exactly the same boat as you, here on a temp work permit while my PR application is in process.
I was going to pay someone to do my returns also, but my work colleagues advised me not to waste my money. Unless your return is complicated, with lots of incomes from lots of sources and you are claiming lots of things, I wouldn't bother - of course it's totally up to you.

I suppose when I hear back from CRA I will know if I made the right choice or not lol

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

you can set up an account to file online ... I think.

I knew I'd seen this somewhere before where I told people you couldn't and someone corrected me

http://britishexpats.com/forum/canad...-788420/page2/

see post 18

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Based on my own experience, I had to file a paper return, as I couldn't file on-line due to them not having any info on me. OP is more than welcome to try, but I'm pretty sure he wont be able to complete that application on-line.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

For what its worth I think you are right, it's just that last time I said that I was told I was wrong ... I tend to remember those moments ;)

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Thanks guys im doing it right now through studio tax.

im literally going to copy the T4's send them and the form it provides to the address in Surrey, BC I think it says here.

Do you have to send copy of your passport also so they have identification of you as its my first time?

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

I recently helped my daughter with her first Canadian tax return. I called CRA and asked if it was possible for a first time filer to file online. The answer was 'Yes' but it is also controlled by the tax software you use (some have not been updated to allow this). Simple Tax allows first time filers to file online. There are still some restrictions e.g. first time filers can't get a refund by direct deposit.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Think you need to send the original T4 and you keep a copy (of everything I would suggest) - not 100% sure, but again, that's what I did.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Nope...my accountant said i could have it sent by direct deposit if i gave my account details. I opted for the cheque though

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

I meant that first time filers cannot receive their refund by direct deposit by simply filing online and giving account details. They have to go through another manual step that involves sending a voided cheque to CRA. At least that's what I was told by CRA when I called them to ask. I think after you have filed that first tax return and they have you in their system, you can then file later tax returns online and have refunds by direct deposit (even if you are changing the account into which it is deposited).

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Probably true. In fact I think she asked me for a blank voided cheque but as I have to pay for cheques with my bank I said no

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Photocopy a voided cheque and use this when you receive such requests in the future.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Surely your bank can give you a printout, with all the required information?
I know TD gave me this when I opened up my first account on moving here.
Can't remember what it was called through. If I remember correctly, on my online banking page, I can print out copies of this on demand.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Go to online banking and you can print one out.

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Thats an excellent idea, why didnt I think of that? XD

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

Well this isn't our first tax return by far, so we opted to receive our refund via direct deposit.
Which obviously explains the cheques we got in the mail today .!

Re: Tax Returns - Canada
 

yeah I am with TD and they gave me some

really? TD told me 56 cheques would be like $40 but didn't know you can print them out for free