Four tips to make filing taxes easier for Niagara Region residents this year

With tax season in full swing, Daria Askerko, a communications manager for the Canada Revenue Agency, wants to help Niagara Region residents make filing as painless as possible.

She recommends people look carefully at changes made to tax filing this year, and find a qualified representative who can help answer questions specific to each person’s situation.

FILE ON TIME AND ONLINE

“The filing deadline for most people is April 30 this year. However, as it falls on a Sunday, we consider the return to be filed on time if it’s sent by May 1 and electronically or via mail,” explained Askerko.

However, despite the deadline not being until the end of April, Ontario residents are encouraged to file as soon as possible.

Filing early and online, like more than 90 per cent of Canadians chose to do in 2022, can help to decrease interruptions to benefits and credits a person may be receiving.

Even those who did not work during 2022 are encouraged to file taxes, as they may be eligible for benefits or need a copy of their tax return in the future.

LOOK AT NEW BENEFITS

Some residents may be available to qualify for a $500 payment due to a one-time top-up to the Canadian Housing Benefit.

Those hoping to apply for the housing benefit must do so before the deadline of March 31, which is earlier than other tax information is due.

Others may be eligible for the new Canadian Dental Benefit which “is for taxpayers who have children under 12 years of age and have incurred dental expenses that are not covered by a private dental insurance plan,” said Askerko.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAX CREDITS

This year there are a variety of credits available to taxpayers including a Ontario Staycation Tax Credit, Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit, and more.

The staycation credit “is for those who took a vacation in Ontario in 2022 and who have the receipts for their stay. It may be time to call the that hotel,” added Askerko. “I couldn’t find my receipt, so I had to call the hotel and they were very nice and provided me with the receipt.”

Those who worked from home throughout the year may also qualify to receive home office expense return allowing them to get a maximum of $500 without having to file any forms from their employers.

In addition, taxpayers with Type 1 Diabetes are encouraged to look at changes made to help simplify filing for the disability tax credit under the “life-sustaining therapy” category.

ASK QUESTIONS

For those who have questions about their taxes, or would just like a little extra help, Askerko recommends taking advantage of several services offered by the CRA.

“There is a new online training tool called ‘Learn about Your Taxes,’ which is a free online tool. It teaches you how to do taxes for the first time. What kind of information do you need? What does a pay stub look like? What does a T4 look like? What are they? What are they used for,” she explained.

Depending on the city a person lives in, they may be able to find personal help through the community volunteer income tax program, which hosts tax clinics for low to moderate income individuals.

Those with additional tax-related questions are encouraged to reach out to the CRA at

1-800-959-8281 or online at canada.ca/en/services/taxes.

 

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