News release

Revenue Minister reminds Canadians to file their personal tax returns by April 30

Ottawa, April 21, 1999...The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of National Revenue and M.P. (Vancouver South - Burnaby), today reminded Canadians to file their 1998 income tax returns by the filing deadline of midnight, April 30, 1999.

"Due to recent labour disruptions, Revenue Canada has received fewer returns so far this year than in previous years. I encourage Canadians to file as quickly as possible or it will take us longer to catch up," the Minister said. "For those who file on paper this means that, when the bulk of returns come in at the end of April, processing times may be longer than usual. Clients who received an invitation to use TELEFILE can help us avoid a backlog from the last minute rush to file, by taking advantage of this electronic filing option." To take advantage of TELEFILE, you have to call by April 30th.

"Although we will make every effort to clear up any backlog, clients who file a paper return and are expecting a refund, may have to wait more than the usual four to six weeks to get it," the Minister added. "On the other hand, clients who file a return by phone using TELEFILE or electronically using EFILE, and ask the Department to deposit their refund directly, can still expect to receive it in about two weeks."

Clients should know that even if they owe tax, they can file anytime before the deadline, and they will not be required to pay until April 30. If filing a paper return, simply attach a post-dated cheque to it. If filing electronically, use the Revenue Canada Remittance Form available from your TELEFILE package or your EFILE preparer to make a payment through your financial institution.

Revenue Canada also reminded self-employed individuals and their spouses that their filing deadline is June 15, 1999. However, clients who owe tax for 1998 have to pay the balance owing by April 30, 1999, whether the return is due then or on June 15.

In addition, Revenue Canada also reminded individuals and their spouses to file their tax returns to ensure they continue to receive any federal child tax benefits to which they are entitled. Individuals also have to file their returns to receive their goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credits.

If they need help completing or filing their tax returns, Canadians should take advantage of the many services Revenue Canada offers.

Revenue Canada has extended the hours of its bilingual telephone enquiries service. This extended service is available Monday to Thursday, from 8:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, until April 30, 1999. On Saturdays, it is available between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time. Clients can call Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year round.

Clients who are using TELEFILE can do so between 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Many Revenue Canada offices will be open until midnight on April 30, 1999, to accept income tax returns. The Department will announce the location of these offices locally.

People can get information about the status of their tax refunds by calling T.I.P.S., the Department's automated phone service. The telephone numbers for both T.I.P.S. and the telephone enquiries service are listed under "Revenue Canada" in the Government of Canada section of local telephone directories.

Clients who still need blank returns and forms can get copies from any Revenue Canada office, post office, and Caisse Populaire in Quebec, or from the Web site at www.rc.gc.ca. The Web site also has information that will be useful to clients preparing their returns.

The T.I.P.S. telephone number is 1-800-267-6999

For information on TELEFILE call your local tax services office or 1-800-959-1114

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