TELEFILE - File Taxes by Phone

If you have a simple Canadian income tax return, you may be able to file your income taxes by phone, for free. The TELEFILE service accepts basic income tax information, such as employment income, pension income, interest income and registered pension plan contributions.

To file using TELEFILE you complete your income tax return using the forms and schedules in your income tax package. You then call a toll-free number using a touchtone phone, and follow the instructions, using the telephone key pad to enter your income tax information.

The TELEFILE service is open from February 14, 2011 to September 30, 2011. Your 2010 income taxes are still due by midnight May 2, 2011. (Since the regular deadline of April 30 falls on a Saturday in 2011, returns are due the next business day.)

With TELEFILE you'll get an immediate confirmation that your return has been received, and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) claims you'll get a faster refund, possibly within two weeks.

You may be able to use TELEFILE if: you received a T1 Special, T1S-A or T1S-C form, or the package for computer software users who would otherwise have received one of those forms you are filing an income tax return as a wage earner, student, senior, or simply for credits and benefits your taxes are simple, and you are filing basic income, deduction and credit amounts.

You can not use TELEFILE if: you are filing income taxes for the first time you are filing more complex tax information such as self-employment earnings, capital gains or rental income.

To use TELEFILE you need a personalized four-digit access code.

Check the income tax package sent to you to see if you received a TELEFILE access code. If you did not receive a TELEFILE access code, and feel your tax situation is very simple, then call the Help Desk toll-free at 1-800-714-7257.

Before you start, have your completed income tax return and schedules, your Social Insurance Number and your TELEFILE access code handy. If applicable, you will also need the Social Insurance Number for your spouse or common-law partner and his or her net income. During the hours of service, use a touchtone phone to dial the toll-free TELEFILE phone number 1-800-959-1110 from inside Canada or the continental United States. Follow the instructions, and enter your income tax information using the telephone keypad. Confirm that you wish to file the information as your tax return. Wait to receive the confirmation number and write it down. The confirmation number indicates that your return has been filed and should be kept with your income tax records.

See also: 6 Ways to File Your Canadian Income Taxes

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