Often, the cost can be taken from the amount you may be entitled to, so there is never any need to worry about up front costs.
Why is it important to file? (even if you have little or no income)
- You may be missing out on important benefits for you child
- You may be missing out on free money that is a tax credit for things you have purchased over the last year
- An unexpected windfall may be just what your family needed to set your finances on track
Filing is very simple these days. Gone are the days where you show up with a shoe box, your life in your hands, and fear in your heart. Any good tax professional can 1) look for all the appropriate credits to ensure you are receiving your money's worth and 2) can help you plan how you can pay the government in instalments should you ever have to owe.
I knew someone once who was afraid to file, an innocuous fear real, and didnt file for ten years! When she did, she found out she was owed over $20,000 - which was enough to buy a car and put down on her first house! Now, I cant promise that you will be that lucky, but make sure you do your civic duty and find out if you too, have some positive income flowing towards you soon. You'll soon find yourself saying: "That was easy!"
Happy Filing,
Crystal
Here is some additional info posted from the CRA:
Did you know?
Even if you have no income to report for 2012, you should still file your income tax and benefit return by April 30, 2013 to be eligible for some tax credits and benefits.
Important facts
• Eligibility for certain benefit payments such as the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit and the Canada child tax benefit is based on information in your yearly tax return.
• If you don’t file, you could miss out on benefits and credits you’re entitled to. If you don’t file on time, your benefit payments may be interrupted.
• You have until midnight on April 30, 2013 to file your 2012 income tax and benefit return.
• Keep any receipts and documentation for at least six years. If the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reviews your return, you will need your receipts to support your claims.
Why not file online this year?
• When you file your return online, you receive your refund faster. When you file online and sign up for direct deposit, you may receive your refund in as little as eight days! For information on how to request direct deposit, go to www.cra.gc.ca/directdeposit.
• Filing online is easy. Certified software programs and Web services (some of which are free to use) guide you through the process, do your calculations for you, and ensure you don’t miss out on credits and benefits you may be eligible for. For a list of software and web applications, including free options, go to www.netfile.gc.ca/software.
• To file your return online, all you need is your social insurance number and date of birth.
• Filing online is secure. The CRA uses the same high level of online security used by Canadian financial institutions.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html
