Expected timeframe...?

Question

I was late filing my 2007 tax return because of complications in my pregnancy that placed me under heavy sedation... as such, I did not feel that I had the mental faculties to sign the declaration.

With my excuse being stated for while I was tardy this year, I recently submitted my 2007 return via hard-copy because I was ineligible to file via TeleFile.

My question is, how long does it take (approx.) to have my return assessed. It was a simple return. The only deductions claimed were education amounts that will be carried forward.

I have been checking my CRA account online and it is still showing as "Not Received". I am not sure if this will only change after it is assessed, if maybe this indicates that it has not been assigned to a CRA employee to review or if this is something that I should do some follow-up with the CRA. I sent my return (with all supporting documents) approx. 3.5 weeks ago.

Any information would be fantastic...and thanks in advance. I attempted to find the information on cra.gc.ca but, as always, I found their site difficult to appropriately search.

Answer 1

You probably need to wait up to 2.5 weeks more for your paper return filed.

The length of time it takes the Canada Revenue Agency to process your income tax return and refund depends on how and when you file your return.

For income tax returns filed after April 15

· paper returns - six weeks

· TELEFILE, NETFILE or EFILE returns - two weeks

To check on the status of your income tax refund online, use the My Account tax service provided by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Please note that before you can access the My Account tax service for the first time, you must register for a Government of Canada epass. Once you register for the epass, it will take at least five business days for you to receive an activation code in the mail.   See link below http://canadaonline.about.com/gi/dynamic...  

You can also use the Telerefund service on the Tax Information Phone Service (T.I.P.S.) to find out if your return has been processed and when to expect your refund cheque. The Telerefund service on T.I.P.S. is available from mid-February until the end of December. The T.I.P.S phone number is 1-800-267-6999 .

Another way to check on the status of your Canadian income tax refund is to call the Refund Enquiries line at 1-800-959-1956.

Answer 2

The six week time frame shown in the Tax Guide is an estimate. It's not a guarantee. Also keep in mind that the CRA lays off tax assessors and processors in the off season. The fact that the My Account system is showing 'Not Filed' would suggest to me that your return might be in their mail room waiting to be opened up.