Seniors: Simplify tax-filing so you can get back to doing what you enjoy!
CRA SOURCE ARTICLE
When you think about your favourite ways to spend your time, filing an income tax and benefit return probably isn’t at the top of your list. We get it! That’s why we’re working to make tax-filing as easy as possible, so you can get back to things you would rather do.
Don’t forget, if you’re retired or 65 years of age or older, then your sources of income may change, and you have to include these new sources of income on your tax return.
Filing an income tax and benefit return annually is important to ensure you receive any refund, benefit, or credit payments you may be entitled to. Here’s information to get started:
First things first! How to avoid scams and fraud
Keeping our money and information safe is important to all of us. It can feel impossible to know every type of scam out there, so understanding how and when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) contacts Canadians will help you distinguish between real and fraudulent communications. The Scam prevention and the CRA webpage provides more information to help you recognize the signs of a scam and learn about the ways that we may contact you.
Online filing and digital services are the way to go!
If you have been filing your taxes on paper, make this the year you file online. We have a list of NETFILE-certified tax software products that are easy to use, fast, and secure, some of which are free! This software will walk you through the tax-filing process, including sending your tax return directly to the CRA. What’s great is that you’ll get immediate confirmation that we received your tax return.
With NETFILE, you may be able to use these secure services:
Auto-fill my return allows you to automatically fill in parts of your income tax and benefit return with information that the CRA has available at the time of the request. This service can retrieve information from the current year and seven years prior.
Express NOA allows you to view your notice of assessment (NOA) in your certified tax software and in My Account, immediately after the CRA receives and processes your return.
If you combine online filing with direct deposit, you could get any refund you’re owed in as little as eight business days. Paper returns aren’t as fast, and it could take up to eight weeks to process them.
If you ever get stuck or have a question, you can introduce yourself to Charlie, our friendly chatbot. You can find Charlie on the CRA home page and many of our other web pages on Canada.ca. Just ask your question and Charlie will try to help you find the information you need.
Take control of your tax affairs with My Account
Have you heard about My Account? If you don’t have My Account, you should get it. It’s the fastest and easiest way to manage your tax and benefit information.
With My Account, you can also:
view or change your return
update your personal information the CRA has on file
submit documents
track the progress of your files and enquiries
check if you have any uncashed cheques, and more!
Go to About My Account and Digital services for individuals for more information.
Important dates for your calendar
February 14, 2024 – Join our Benefits and credits for adults 65 years and older webinar.
February 19, 2024 – This is the first day when you can start filing your 2023 tax return online. If you file on paper, you should receive your income tax package in the mail by this date.
April 30, 2024 – This is the deadline to file a tax return for most Canadians. By filing your tax return on time, you’ll avoid delays to any refund, benefit, or credit payments you may be entitled to. If you owe money to the CRA, this is also the deadline to make a payment. By filing and paying on time, you’ll avoid late-filing penalties and interest.
June 15, 2024 – If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, this is the deadline to file your tax returns. As this date falls on a Saturday, your return will be considered filed on time if the CRA receives it or it is postmarked on or before June 17, 2024. If you owe money to the CRA, you'll still need to pay by April 30, 2024, to avoid interest.
Know what income to report
You might be receiving income from many different sources. Here’s a list of some of the most common types of income you may start receiving when you retire or turn 65. If you need more information on what to report, check out our All types of income page.
Don’t miss out on money!
We’re not just here to collect taxes – we’re here to make sure you get any refund, benefit, or credit payments you may be entitled to! When you file your income tax and benefit return, we determine your eligibility to receive these payments. Find out what you may be eligible for and how to apply on our Tax credits and benefits for individuals page.
You may also be eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). It’s a monthly payment available to Old Age Security pensioners who have low income and are living in Canada. If you already receive the GIS, by filing your income tax and benefit return on time, you avoid interruptions to your payments and you won’t have to reapply.
You could also claim deductions, credits, and expenses, that you are eligible for, on your income tax and benefit return to reduce the amount of tax you have to pay. For example, you may be eligible to claim the Canada caregiver credit if you support your spouse or common-law partner with a physical or mental impairment. There’s also the Disability tax credit (DTC). This credit helps reduce the income tax that people with physical or mental impairments, or their supporting family members, may have to pay. You may be eligible for the DTC if a medical practitioner certifies that you have a severe and prolonged impairment. If you think you may be eligible for the DTC, you should apply.
And don’t forget about pension income splitting. You and your spouse or common-law partner may be able to jointly elect to split your eligible pension income if you meet all of the requirements.
Free tax help is available!
If you need help with your taxes, we’re here for you. If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, volunteers at a free tax clinic may be able to do your taxes for you. You can visit a free tax clinic in your area, or you can make a virtual appointment, whatever suits you best. To find out if you’re eligible, and to find a tax clinic, go to our Free tax clinics page.
More information
For more information, visit these pages (the CRA will update these pages in late January 2024):
If you’re interested, check out Seniors in Canada. It’s a Government of Canada Facebook page dedicated to helping seniors. It focuses on giving you the information you need to take care of administrative tasks, such as filing your taxes.