In late January 2007, eligible seniors from all provinces and territories were mailed a personalized letter inviting them to file their return using a simplified electronic service known as Service for Seniors.
Service for Seniors allows seniors to file their 2006 return for free using a touch-tone telephone. Seniors only need to identify themselves and answer a few "yes" or "no" questions. They are not required to enter their income, deductions, or non-refundable tax credit amounts (spousal or common-law income may be required). If they reside in Ontario, Manitoba, or the Northwest Territories, they may have to enter amounts in order to claim refundable provincial or territorial tax credits.
During the assessment process, their income will be included automatically using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) information. As well, they will be allowed the basic personal amount, age amount and, if applicable, the disability amount.
Seniors do not have to prepare their return before using Service for Seniors. The information sheet included with the personalized invitation letter gives them all the information they need to use the service.
To be invited to use the new service, seniors must be over age 65 and their:
- only income in 2005 was from OAS, CPP/QPP, or net federal supplements; and
- total income in 2005 was less than $10,500 ($15,000 if they are entitled to the disability amount).
The Notice of Assessment that the CRA will send them will confirm the amount of OAS, CPP/QPP, and/or net federal supplements included during assessment.
How do seniors use Service for Seniors?
To use Service for Seniors, they call the existing TELEFILE service at 1-800-959-1110. Once they enter their social insurance number and access code, the TELEFILE service will know that they are eligible to use the new service.
Service for Seniors is available from February 12 to September 28, 2007.
Advantages of using Service for Seniors:
- Toll free call
- Secure and confidential
- Takes only minutes to do
- Fast refunds - as quick as 8 business days!
- As easy as telephone banking
- No paper return to prepare or mail
- No receipts to send in
- Immediate confirmation that the CRA has received your return
Services for Seniors - Guide
Services for Seniors is a guide to more than 120 programs and services provided by the Government of Canada. It covers everything from income support to housing, health and safety issues.
For a free copy, call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). For TTY users, call 1-800-926-9105. Visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca or your local Service Canada Centre. The guides are also available in alternative formats (large print, Braille, audio cassette or computer diskette) by calling 1-800-O-Canada.
More information
For more information about Service for Seniors and TELEFILE, visit the CRA's Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/telefile or call 1-800-959-8281.
This document is also available for download in .pdf format.
