Though millions of Canadians have already filed their 2011 tax returns, there are thousands of procrastinators who have yet to do so. If you have not filed your 2011 return, today is the last day you can submit it electronically to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
This is actually 60 days later than last year. Earlier this year, the CRA announced the electronic filing deadline would be extended from September 30 to November 30. So you had 60 extra days of procrastination.
Starting December 1, the CRA will only accept paper filed returns for 2011. Your return will still be processed and assessed, but paper filing usually takes longer than an electronically filed tax return. So if you are expecting a tax refund, you may want to submit your return before the system goes offline.
The CRA’s electronic filing system will remain offline until mid-February 2013, when it will open again for 2012 tax returns. The electronic system only accepts the current tax year online. That means if you are a few years behind on your tax returns, electronic filing is not an option. You will have to send in the paperwork.
Tax software is hard to find in retail stores outside of tax season but you can download products or use online tax software. If you have missed the electronic filing deadline, you can find the 2011 tax forms at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/formspubs/t1gnrl/menu-eng.html so you can paper file your return.