According to a recent survey completed by H&R Block, 37% of Canadians still need to file their personal income taxes, that from H&R Block Tax Specialist Yannick Lemay.
He commented on what this week's Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) strike means for people in this category.
"What we've seen so far with CRA strike is that the impacts are minimal on taxpayers to file their taxes, and that's why the tax deadline hasn't been pushed to a later date. Canadians can still file their taxes. CRA is accepting all returns. Most of the personal returns are processed electronically, so, if you do send your return electronically, CRA does not expect much longer delays than usual because of the strike."
However, Lemay noted, that doesn't mean impacts won't be felt by some,
"People that will try to reach out to CRA in the coming days because they're missing some information, for example, to file their return, they want to validate any carry forward amounts they might have from the past or their RSP contribution room. So, if they do not have access online for whatever reason, sometimes people can't access online because their account has been floated, for example or has been flagged for security. Those people that would usually call CRA, they might experience longer delays and might not be able to get the answer they need to complete their return."
For those looking for cash back, Lemay offered a special service to use.
"If you come and file your taxes with us at H&R Block and you take the service, that is called, 'Instant Refund,' you do get your money in your pocket the exact same day you file your return. So, you don't have to wait for CRA's delay or for your return to be processed by CRA in order to get your money."
For those considering putting off filing til after the deadline, Lemay cautions otherwise.
"Even though your return might be delayed in the processing, it is still very, very super important you do file your taxes on time, to make sure that you avoid any penalties that all tax selections you are eligible to, can be made on your tax return. Then also all the credits and benefits that are paid outside the tax returns, so the Climate Action Incentive Payments, the GST Credit, the Child Benefits, if you have children, to make sure that those payments are paid on time to you, and you don't leave any money on the table."
Lemay reminded Canadians, conditions can change depending on the steps taken in strike action and in reaching an agreement.