Tax Filing Deadline Nears

The deadline to file your income tax return is midnight tonight — if you owe the government money — in order to avoid a penalty.

Simrat Bains, a spokesperson from the Canada Revenue Agency, says the fines can add up.

“Depending on the balance you owe, it’s five percent, plus one percent each month that it’s late. And then there can be a late filing penalty as well which is almost around 10 percent of the balance you owe,” she tells Kiss FM.

Bains says there is free software on the CRA website to help you file.

“If anybody would like to search, it’s under ‘Net file,’ and it gives you a list of products that are available, so you could use that to file your tax return from home.”

Bains says filers can also use a new feature called Auto Fill My Return.

“If anyone has registered for a CRA account, using the certified tax softwares that are available, you can file your return.”

Bains says they recommended you file a return, even if there’s no income.

“That will help you get your benefits without interruption.”

She says there are also income tax preparation clinics in the area.

Bains says they’ve received about 18 million tax returns across Canada so far, with 89 percent of those filed electronically.

She says if you can’t pay the entire amount owning tonight, you can call the agency to to make payment arrangements at 1 800 959 8281 or 1 888 863 8657.