Question Period Note: 2019 INCOME TAX PACKAGE (PAPER)

Why is the CRA no longer offering paper forms in Canada Post offices, Desjardins Caisse populaires and Service Canada locations? What are other ways of obtaining forms?

• The Agency knows that being a world class tax agency begins with providing world class services.
• When it comes to filing personal taxes, includes offering the classic paper based option.
• This year the CRA has, mailed the 2019 income tax package to 1.6 million individuals who filed a paper income tax and benefit return last year.
• This direct mail service is especially important for those who need it most, such as seniors, people with mobility restrictions, and those living in rural and remote areas.
• A limited number of tax packages will be made available, in both official languages, at select Service Canada sites across Canada. Alternatively, Canadians can order or print their own copies via the CRA website, by calling a CRA toll-free number.
• In an effort to reduce paper waste, tax packages will no longer be available at Canada Post or Caisse populaire Desjardins locations. They will be available upon request. There are a few locations that have already made such requests.
• Taxpayers who visit their local Canada Post location will find information on how to contact the CRA to get a copy.
• We recognize that Canadians have diverse needs when it comes to return filing, and we are committed to making sure no one is left behind.

January 2018 Minister Announcement of plan to get out of lobbies:

Minister Lebouthillier also announced that taxpayers who filed using paper tax forms in previous years will now receive a tax package by mail. Canadians who use paper guides and forms now do not have to visit a Canada Post, Service Canada, or Caisse populaire Desjardins outlet to get the General Income Tax and Benefit Guide and the forms book for the 2017 tax year. This will help all those who file using paper forms. However, to ease the transition to this service, limited quantities of guides and forms will still be available in these locations.

To ease the transition to the new service, limited quantities of printed products in both official languages will be available at Canada Post, Service Canada and at most Caisse populaire Desjardins outlets starting February 26, 2018. If the documents have run out at these locations, information will be available to tell individuals how to order them by phone or online in their preferred language. Beginning in 2019, the documents will be available only from the CRA.

Taken from the Memorandum for the Minister (October 2019):

As in the previous two years, the CRA will continue to mail an income tax package to individuals who filed on paper in the previous year. To assist taxpayers, the mail out has been expanded to provide tax packages to an additional 200,000 filers. As a result of the efficacy of the direct mail service, income tax packages will no longer be distributed via Canada Post (CPC) locations. Service Canada rural and northern locations will continue to be used as distribution points to assist vulnerable populations in those areas of Canada. With this service, paper filers will have what they need to file their 2019 income tax and benefit return, without the inconvenience of having to pick up or order a paper tax package.

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