I just finished filing my tax return with you guys, what do I do now?

If you were informed that your tax return sucessfully E-Filed, then you're done! All you need to do now is wait for CRA to assess your return.

Usually if your return is relatively simple, the return should be assessed within 2-3 weeks, and any refunds will be paid at that time. If you were already registered for direct deposit, they will pay the funds directly into your bank account. Otherwise, it will be mailed to you via cheque.

Please note that we have seen processing times of up to 6 months.

If you were informed that your returns needs to be paper filed, you should mail the documents we provided you at the Tax Clinic to the CRA. You can find the applicable address here. We do recommend that you send by registered mail if possible to guarantee delivery.

Register for a CRA My Account

We strongly recommend making a CRA My Account after your tax return has been assessed by the CRA (You will not be able to create a CRA My Account until you have received a Notice of Assessment). You can update your address, see mail from the CRA, update direct deposit information, see prior year tax returns and current year tax slips, see tax return status, and more!

For instructions on how to create your CRA My Account, see this document My Account Instructions.

Ontario Electricity Support Program

Eligibility for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) is based on your income from your tax return. If you and all adults that you live with have filed their tax return - you may be eligible for the OESP, which will give you a credit for your hydro bill, reducing your monthly expenses.

CRA sent me a letter asking for information! Did I do something wrong? Why are they asking for this? What do I do now? Should I panic?

Canada's tax system is based on the honour system. You could report what ever you want on the tax return, but it is the CRA's right (and obligation to the taxpayers) to request for documentation that supports your claims.

Generally they ask for things that they cannot verify through their own systems automatically, like rent receipts, or income before coming to Canada.

It is perfectly normal and expected for CRA to ask for this information.

You should not panic and ignore the mail. Read the letter provided to you carefully, CRA is usually very clear on the information they want. Provide them the requested information by mailing the documentation to the address they provide you and all is well.

Please see sections below specific to World Income Verification and Rental Receipt Requests

Rent Receipt Requests

We've provided a sample of what a rent receipt could look like. It includes the usual review letter from CRA when they decide to review this information and what is generally considered an acceptable receipt. Please note this is not an exhaustive example, as long as it includes all information, CRA will accept it.

Rent Receipt Sample

World Income Verification

If you're a newcomer to Canada, CRA often asks for World Income verification to establish if you are a low income resident throughout the entire year. They will pause benefits until they've confirmed. To restore your benefits, do the following:

1) Complete Form RC151 if you haven't already.This essentially details the taxpayer's world income for the period before entry into Canada. There's now a web version of this form, but make sure you keep a copy for your own records!

2) Send a copy of the RC151 to the CRA with a cover letter asking to restore benefits and clarifying the amount of income you earned before coming to Canada. If you need a sample, you can find one here. If you have access to CRA My Account, you can submit this online.

3) Wait. CRA Benefits division will respond... eventually. In my experience, We've sent in a document around November and got a response in February.