News release

The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency issues April goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit payments

Ottawa, April 6, 2001... The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) will be issuing the April goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit payments today. Individuals who have their GST/HST credit payments deposited directly into their accounts at their financial institutions can expect to receive their payments today.

Individuals who receive their GST/HST credit cheques by mail can expect to receive them within the next 10 working days. If they have not received their cheques by April 20, they should contact the CCRA's refund enquiry service. This service is available from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The numbers are listed under "Canada Customs and Revenue Agency" in the government section of the telephone book.

The CCRA expects to issue GST/HST credit payments totaling more than $683 million to more than 8 million individuals across Canada this quarter.

Payments under the Saskatchewan Sales Tax Credit (SSTC) program are also included with the April 2001 GST/HST credit payments.

To receive the next GST/HST credit quarterly payments in July 2001, people must file their 2000 income tax return on or before April 30, 2001 and complete the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit application area on the first page of the return. Individuals who move must inform the CCRA immediately to ensure that payments of their GST/HST credit are not disrupted, even if they use direct deposit and their bank account does not change.

General information regarding the GST/HST credit can be obtained through the CCRA's automated Tax Information Phone Service (T.I.P.S.) at 1-800-267-6999 and on the Internet through T.I.P.S. Online at: www.ccra.gc.ca/tips

Information on the GST/HST credit can also be found under "Newsroom" and on the "Child and Family Benefits" page on the CCRA's Web site at: www.ccra.gc.ca

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