News release

October goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit payments

Ottawa, October 4, 2001... The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) is issuing the October goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit payments tomorrow. Individuals who have their GST/HST credit payments deposited directly into their accounts at their financial institutions can expect to receive their payments on October 5, 2001.

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 October 22, they should contact the CCRA's refund enquiries service at 1-800-959-1953. This service is available from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

The CCRA expects to issue GST/HST credit payments totaling more than $687 million to more than 7.9 million individuals across Canada this quarter.

The October GST/HST credit payments will include annual entitlements under the Newfoundland Harmonized Sales Tax Credit and the Newfoundland Seniors' Benefit programs. Payments under the Saskatchewan Sales Tax Credit (SSTC) program are also included with the October 2001 GST/HST credit payments.

To receive GST/HST credit quarterly payments, people must file their 2000 income tax and benefit return 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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