Income Tax Information

How long will it take to get a refund?

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) says it takes about 2 weeks to process returns filed using NetFile, EFile, or Telefile, but they do not start processing returns until mid-February. For paper tax returns, CRA says it takes about 4 weeks to process returns filed before April 15, and about 6 weeks for returns filed after April 15.

How can I check on the status of my tax return?

To check with CRA on the status of your tax return, you need the following information:

  • your social insurance number
  • your date of birth
  • the Total Income amount that you calculated and entered on line 150 of your tax return for the current year or the past year (use the past year if you aren't sure if CRA has received your current year tax return).

The ways to check on the status of your return or your refund are:

  •  online through the Quick Access e-service - with this service, you can get information about your tax return status
    • RRSP deduction limit
    • Canada Child Tax Benefit payment status
    • GST/HST credit payment status, ad
    • Universal Child Care Benefit payment status.
  • by phoning the automated Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS), which is available from mid-February till December 31.
  • by phoning the refund enquiries line. see the CRA web page. Contact telephone numbers for both of the above phone numbers
  • online through the CRA My Account, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To use the My Account service, you will need a Government of Canada epass. The My Account web page has a link to the epass online registration process.
Direct deposit to your bank account.

You can arrange for any of the following to be deposited directly to your bank account:

  • your personal income tax refund
  • GST/HST tax credit
  • Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
  • Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)
  • Advance payment of Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB)

You can set up direct deposit to your bank account online through the CRA My Account.

If you do not wish to use the My Account online service, you can complete and submit to CRA a Form T1-DD(1). This can be done as part of your annual tax return, or can be submitted at any time during the year. The same form is used to arrange direct deposit of your CCTB and UCCB.