There have been many changes made by CRA to the current 2019 tax filing schedule, and increases to benefit entitlements. It is advised to keep track of the changes, as you may be entitled to a payment deferral, or increased benefit payments.

2019 tax filing deadlines changes for regular individual tax returns

CRA have extended the tax filing deadline for 2019 regular individual tax returns (T1 returns) to June 1, 2020, which has changed from the usual date of April 30. This means that if you have a balance owing to CRA for a shortfall in tax being deducted from your 2019 pay cheques, you will not be hit with a late filing penalty unless you file after June 1. If you are employed, and have a balance owing when filing your taxes, you will not need to pay the balance to CRA until the end of August 31, 2020, after this date your tax balance owing will start incurring interest.

2019 tax filing deadlines changes for self-employed tax returns and GST remittances

For self-employed, contractor, sole-proprietor and partnerships, the tax filing deadline remains as June 15, 2020. Good news though, you will not be required to settle any balances owing on your 2019 tax return until the end of the day August 31, 2020.

More good news, if you are required to file and remit GST for the 2019 period, the filing deadline for annual GST filing is still June 15, however the payment deadline for net GST amounts owing has been moved from April 30 to June 30.

Changes to GST/HST credit benefit payments

CRA has increased the GST/HST credit amount in order to further assist those who qualify to receive the credit, during these financially testing times.

If you normally receive the quarterly credit and have filed a 2018 tax return, then you will automatically receive up to $443 if you are single and $580 to $1,160 if you are married. You are not required to have filed your 2019 tax return in order to receive the increased GST/HST credit amount

Why you should still file your return as soon as possible, especially if you are a newcomer to Canada

There are many benefits to filing your return on time, rather than using the filing extensions. If you qualify to receive the quarterly GST/HST credit for the upcoming 2020 year, then filing your 2019 tax return on time will ensure that there are no delays with receiving the credit payments on time.

If you are new to Canada in 2019 and are looking to apply for the Canada Emergency Care Benefit (CERB) payment, you will need to have access to an online CRA account. The easiest way to become authorized to set up an online CRA account is to file a tax return. The quicker you file your 2019 return, the quicker it will be processed by CRA, and then you can set up an online account with CRA.

Questions

If you have any questions about changes made to CRA’s 2019 tax filing and payment deadlines, please do not hesitate to ask one of our team via email.