20/04/2023
This weeks tax tip is super simple: here is a step by step explanation to filing your taxes for our younger crowd, or someone attempting it on their own for the first time:
1️⃣ Get Ready: Decide how you will file taxes, what slips and documentation you will need and give yourself lots of time - do not wait until April 29th, just a TIP!
2️⃣ Look into the HOW: trying it yourself or hiring someone, electronically (the way to go!) or paper and mailed, if on your own and electronically make sure you have the software needed. If hiring someone shop around, price them out and find out what they bring to the table! We are not all cut from the same cloth
3️⃣ Make sure all of your personal info with the CRA is current - address etc and if you aren’t already enrolled for direct deposit NOWS THE TIME!
4️⃣ Time to get started - Step one, report your income - either from a T Slip (T4, T4E, T4A etc) or other business income (Sole Pro, Partnership?)
5️⃣ Claim any prevalent deductions credits and expenses to reduce your amount owing or increase your refund: medical, donations, child care, RRSP contributions, business expenses, climate incentive the list goes ON.
6️⃣ Do you owe or will you get a refund? If you are getting a refund Pat yourself on the back, and thank me for the direct deposit reminder! If you owe - find out how to pay, payment plans or what to do if you feel like you can’t pay it right now.
7️⃣ Submit your return to CRA - electronically or mailed physically. Electronically gets it to them immediately which means it is reviewed sooner and if you’re in a refund position your refund comes quicker! Mailing it in might be your only option but it will be a slower process.
8️⃣ CRA will review your return, issue a Notice of Assessment to validate the return and confirm what you owe or what you will be refunded, this notice should be kept with this years tax documents as it may be needed again if you are ever reassessed or hire someone next year!