How Long for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Refund: A Comprehensive Guide

Receiving your tax refund can be an exciting event each year. Knowing when to expect the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) refund can help you plan accordingly. This guide is here to help you understand how long you should expect to wait for your CRA refund and the various options available for you to track your refund status. The options being Website, Mobile App, and Call Centre, will all be explored in detail.

Option 1: CRA Website

The CRA website, also known as 'My Account,’ is an excellent resource for taxpayers. It provides a wide range of information and tools, one of which is tracking the status of your refund. Operation hours are 21 hours a day, with a three-hour downtime for system maintenance. Here's what you need to do:

• First, sign into your 'My Account' on the CRA website.
• Click on 'View Mail' for personalized information about your refund. Here, you can find details about any outstanding income tax and benefit returns, balances, instalment payments, and more.
• Lastly, if you've registered for online mail, you can view any official letters sent to you by the CRA.

It typically takes around two weeks if you filed your return online, for the CRA to process it, provided there are no mistakes or additional reviews required.

Option 2: CRA Mobile App

The CRA has developed a mobile app, MyCRA, which is user-friendly and comes in handy for Canadians. The app shows the most up-to-date information available to CRA. This includes your refund's expected date if it's not listed as already sent. The process is as follows:

• First, launch the MyCRA app on your mobile device.
• Go to the 'Tax Return Status' under the 'Quick Access' heading. Here, you'll find specific information regarding your latest assessed tax return, including the status of your refund if one is due.

This online resource is known for its convenience, especially if you have a straightforward tax situation. The processing time remains the same as the website, i.e., within two weeks after filing your return electronically.

Option 3: CRA Call Centre

If you prefer speaking to a CRA representative, you can connect to the CRA call centre. The automated phone service called Telerefund can provide information about your refund. Here is what you have to do:

• Firstly, call the CRA’s Telerefund at 1-800-959-1956. Note that you will need your SIN number and the exact amount of your refund as indicated in your tax return to use this service.
• Enter the required information when prompted.
• Wait for the automated system to provide you with the status of your refund.

Usually, it takes eight weeks for the CRA to process a paper return. It might also take longer if the return is selected for a more detailed review.

Conclusion

While waiting for a tax refund might seem daunting, utilizing the aforementioned CRA resources reduces stress and uncertainty. The CRA website, mobile app, and call centre all provide useful ways to check the status of your refund. Being patient and checking through the recommended tools can give you peace of mind and preparedness for the arrival of your tax refund.