Updated: 01/18/12
What is the Service for Seniors?
Service for Seniors provides a simplified system for eligible low-income seniors in Canada to file their Canadian income tax returns by phone.
The service is free.
Using a touch-tone phone, eligible seniors enter their Social Insurance Number and access code, and answer a few questions with "yes" or "no." Income is calculated automatically using Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) information and allowances for the basic personal amount, age amount and, if applicable, the disability amount. The only amounts that have to be entered are to claim refundable provincial or territorial tax credits for residents of Ontario, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories.
Eligibility for Income Tax Service for Seniors
Based on their previous income tax returns, in late January about 60,000 Canadian seniors will receive a personalized letter from the Canada Revenue Agency inviting them to use the Service for Seniors to file their 2011 income tax return. In 2012, the Service for Seniors is limited to those who used the service to file their 2010 income tax and benefit return last year.
How to Use the Service for Seniors
The invitation letter contains an information sheet and an access code for using the service.
To use the Service for Seniors, call the regular TELEFILE service toll-free at 1-800-959-1110. The service is available from February 13 to September 28, 2012.
Once you enter your Social Insurance Number and access code, the system will recognize that you are eligible to use the Service for Seniors.
See also: 6 Ways to File Your Canadian Income Taxes
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