Update: 02/07/13
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not start processing Canadian income tax returns until the middle of February. No matter how early you file your income tax return, you will not be able to get information on the status of an income tax refund until the middle of March. You should also wait until at least four weeks after you file your return before checking on the status of an income tax refund. If you file your return after April 15, wait six weeks before you check.
Processing Times for Tax Refunds
The length of time it takes the CRA to process your income tax return and refund depends on how and when you file your return.
For income tax returns filed before April 15:
For income tax returns filed after April 15:
Information Required to Check on Your Tax Refund
To check on the status of your income tax refund you need to provide the following information:
- your Social Insurance Number
- the month and year of your birth
- the amount entered as Total Income on line 150 of your income tax return for 2011 or 2012.
Check on Your Tax Refund Online
Use the Quick Access tax service provided by the CRA to get immediate access to information on your income tax refund.
You can also check on the status of your income tax refund using the My Account tax service.
Check on Your Tax Refund by Automated Phone Service
You can use the automated Telerefund service on the Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS) to find out if your return has been processed and when to expect your refund cheque.
The TIPS phone number is
1-800-267-6999
The Telerefund service is also available at
1-800-959-1956
