4 ways CRA is making it easier to file returns

This week, CRA announced changes meant to make the department more accessible, taxes simpler to prepare, and returns easier to monitor.

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When the Liberal government came to power in November 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave rookie National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier the job of making it easier for Canadians to file and understand their taxes. While at least some of these were in the works before the election, they follow the lines of Lebouthillier’s mandate.

Read: Essential tax numbers: 2016 update

• Updated notice of assessment: The new, simpler format provides the most important information about your client’s assessment on the first page. This is part of the CRA’s effort to improve its correspondence with individuals.
• Auto-fill my return: This service is now available through some certified tax software. This service allows you to automatically fill in certain parts of the income tax and benefit return. To use the auto-fill my return service, your client must be fully registered for My Account.
• MyCRA mobile app: In October 2015, new features were added to the MyCRA mobile app such as personalized benefit payment information, enhanced tax return status, and Canada child tax benefit application status. Starting February 2016, users will also be able to update their address, manage online CRA mail, and sign up for direct deposit.
• Online mail: The fast, easy and secure way to manage tax correspondence. Get statements such as the notice of assessment online in My Account, instead of in the mail. To register, provide us with an email address on your income tax and benefit return or register directly online. New correspondence, such as benefits statements (summer 2016), will be added in 2016.

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Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.