There may be plenty of tax procrastinators but there are also those who are eager to get their return filed so they can get their tax refund. One of the most frequent questions we are being asked right now is: How soon can I file? For those who want to be one of the first, here is what you should know:
Have all your slips: Some employers issue T4 slips at the beginning of January but they are not obligated to provide one until the end of February. You can try to encourage your employer to deliver your slip earlier but it may not be a request your payroll department can grant. We strongly recommend people wait for their T4, instead of using their last pay stub instead. A T4 may contain information not included on your paystub and basing a return on the latter may force you to submit an adjustment to correct your return. If you are not sure if you have all of your paperwork, review our checklist.
Electronic filing: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not start accepting electronically filed returns until February 11, 2013. If you are using tax software, you will need to print your return and mail it to the CRA if you want to file before this date. You also need your NETFILE code from the CRA.
Paper forms: The CRA is no longer mailing paper forms unless you are outside of Canada. The forms are available at post offices and online. The 2012 tax forms were posted in early January.
The CRA does not start processing returns until mid-February, so even if you file in January the CRA will not necessarily work on your return any faster. That means you can get your return in by early February and still get that satisfied proactive feeling.