Service for Seniors

In late January 2007, approximately 254,000 seniors from all provinces and territories will be mailed a personalized letter inviting them to file their tax returns using a simplified electronic service known as Service for Seniors.

Service for Seniors allows seniors to file their 2006 tax return for free using a touch-tone telephone. It only requires taxpayers to identify themselves and answer a few "yes" or "no" questions. Unlike the normal TELEFILE service, taxpayers are not required to enter their income, deductions, or non-refundable tax credit amounts (spousal income may be required). Taxpayers residing in Ontario, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories may have to enter amounts in order to claim refundable provincial/territorial tax credits. During the assessment process, the taxpayer's income will be included automatically using Agency information. As well, the taxpayer will be allowed the basic personal amount, age amount and, if applicable, the disability amount.

Taxpayers do not have to prepare their return prior to using Service for Seniors. The Information Sheet included with the personalized invitation letter gives all the information the taxpayer needs to use the service.

To be invited to use the new service, the taxpayer must be over age 65 and their:

• only income in 2005 was from OAS, CPP/QPP, or Net Federal Supplements; and
  
  
• taxable income in 2005 was less than $10,500 ($15,000 if the taxpayer is entitled to the disability amount).

The Notice of Assessment issued to the taxpayer will confirm the amount of OAS, CPP/QPP and/or net federal supplements included during assessment.

To use Service for Seniors, the taxpayer calls the existing TELEFILE service at 1-800-959-1110. Once the taxpayer enters their social insurance number and access code, the TELEFILE service will know that the taxpayer is eligible to use the new service.