How to Claim Back Taxes in Canada

You must declare all sources of taxable income on your tax return.

At the end of each financial year, Canadians are required to submit an income tax return to the Canada Revenue Agency. If you have paid too much tax in the last year or are entitled to tax credits, you may be eligible to claim a tax refund.

Things You'll Need

• General Income Tax and Benefit package
• Additional documentation, if applicable

Instructions

1. Obtain a General Income Tax and Benefit package from the CRA. Packages are available online. Go to the webpage listed in the Resources section and click on your province to obtain an electronic copy of the package.

2. Fill out the package. Be sure to provide your personal data, income details and any deductions or credits you are entitled to. To receive a tax refund, you must demonstrate that you have paid too much tax or that your taxable income is reduced by any deductions you have made.

3. Submit the completed package to the CRA. Include any additional documentation such as evidence of your entitlement to deductions. You can submit your package online using the NETFILE service, or mail it directly to any one of the local CRA offices. See Resources for details. The deadline for submissions is April 30 at the end of each financial year.

4. Wait to receive the results of the tax refund. Refunds usually take two to six weeks to process.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the status of your refund online using the Quick Access system (see Resources).

References

• Canada Revenue Agency: All About Your Tax Return

Resources

• Canada Revenue Agency: General Income Tax and Benefit Package for 2009
• Canada Revenue Agency: Sending a Tax Return
• Canada Revenue Agency: Quick Access