News release

Minister of National Revenue reminds Canadians to file their 2000 income tax returns by April 30

Ottawa, April 23, 2001... The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of National Revenue and Secretary of State responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the regions of Quebec, reminded Canadians today that they have until midnight on Monday, April 30, 2001 to file their 2000 income tax returns.

"Many CCRA offices will accept income tax returns until midnight on April 30. The hours have been extended to midnight on the final day of filing to accept returns only. All other transactions on that day must be done during regular business hours. Many post office outlets will also be open until midnight on April 30," said the Minister.

The filing deadline for self-employed individuals and their spouses is June 15, 2001. However, individuals who owe tax for 2000 have to pay their balance owing by April 30, 2001, whether their return is due then or on June 15.

In addition, Mr. Cauchon reminded individuals and their spouses to file their tax returns on time to ensure they receive or continue to receive their Canada Child Tax Benefit payments and their goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credits.

Tax returns received or postmarked by midnight on April 30 will be considered filed on time. Late-filing penalties and interest on amounts owing will apply to returns received or postmarked after this date.

Mr. Cauchon indicated that the CCRA has so far received 12.8 million returns, including 5.5 million that were filed electronically. Of the returns, 7.1 millions have been processed with refunds totalling 7.7 billion dollars. The average amount of the refunds is $1,082.48.

The CCRA has extended its hours for general and business enquiries. From 8:15 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekends until April 30, representatives are available to answer general tax enquiries at 1-800-959-8281 (English) or 1-800-959-7383 (French). Business tax information representatives are available from 8:15 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at 1-800-959-5525 (English) or 1-800-959-7775 (French), on weekdays. Outside these hours an automated system will allow callers to access information by using their touch-tone telephone keypad.

Individuals can get information on the status of their refund by calling the Tax Information Phone Service (T.I.P.S.) at 1-800-267-6999, or by accessing T.I.P.S. Online on our Web site. Copies of forms and publications can be ordered by calling 1-800-959-2221 (English) or 1-800-959-3376 (French). Electronic copies of forms and publications, including the income tax return, are available through the CCRA Web site at: www.ccra.gc.ca/forms

For other information, visit the CCRA Web site at: www.ccra.gc.ca

Addresses and telephone numbers of our tax services offices are listed in the government section of your telephone book and on the "Contact Us" Web page of our Internet site.

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