News release

Increase to the Canada Child Tax Benefit payments in July

Ottawa, August 3, 2004... The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that, starting this July, the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) amounts and thresholds have increased by 3.3% to keep up with inflation. This is in line with the Government of Canada's commitment to building a brighter future for our children.

The CRA issued more than $772 million in CCTB payments to 3.1 million recipients across Canada. Individuals who are expecting a CCTB payment and have not received it should contact the CRA's CCTB enquiry service at 1-800-387-1193.

People are reminded that in order to receive or continue receiving CCTB payments, they and their spouses or common-law partners have to file their 2003 income tax returns. Also, people who move should inform the CRA immediately to ensure that their CCTB payments are not disrupted, even if they use direct deposit and their bank account does not change.

CCTB recipients can now take advantage of the following online services:

• Child and family benefits page at www.cra.gc.ca/benefits links to guides, forms, explanations and more, such as specific information about whether individuals are eligible for the CCTB and when to expect their payments.
• Address Changes Online at www.cra.gc.ca/newaddress allows individuals to view or change their home address, mailing address, and phone number(s).
• The Benefits Calculator at www.cra.gc.ca/benefits-calculator lets individuals obtain an estimate of their CCTB payments (and any related provincial and territorial child benefit programs) by simply entering their marital status, family net income, province or territory of residence, and number of children under 18 years of age.
• My Account at www.cra.gc.ca/myaccount gives individuals the convenience and flexibility of viewing their personal income tax, Canada Child Tax Benefit, and GST/HST credit information on a secure Web site 7 days a week, 21 hours a day.

Many more innovative online services are planned during the coming year as part of the CRA's commitment to continuously improve service to Canadians.

General information regarding the CCTB can be obtained through the CRA's automated Tax Information Phone Service at 1-800-267-6999, or on the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/benefits.

This document is also available for download in .pdf format.

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