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 For more information or to order publications, including those for the visually impaired, see Contacts or Links.
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The CRA has many offices across Canada, where taxpayers can get information, make payments, and conduct other types of tax-related business.
The CRA offers its services, including telephone, Internet, and correspondence services, in both official languages.
The following is a brief overview of the structure of the CRA and some of the different services it provides.
Headquarters, which is located in Ottawa, is where the CRA sets its overall corporate direction and develops its programs and policies.
Regional offices
Six regional offices make sure that programs and policies are uniformly applied across Canada. These offices also co-ordinate the activities of the tax services offices in their region.
The tax services offices (TSOs) are your main point of contact and are located in most major cities across Canada. Tax Services Offices may perform verification, enforcement, collection, and appeals activities while providing client services to taxpayers.
Tax centres process and store returns and support taxpayer services. Tax centres mail out tax assessment notices, process requests for refund cheques, and provide written explanations of tax assessments. Tax centres also answer taxpayer enquiries and provide services similar to those offered by TSOs.
The International Tax Services Office, located in Ottawa, serves the special needs of people filing income tax or information returns as non-residents, factual or deemed residents, newcomers to Canada, or emigrants.
Our publications
Our publications are the most effective way in which we can provide a wide range of information to the millions of Canadians who need it.
An important source of information is the General Income Tax and Benefit Guide. Other guides, as well as forms, pamphlets, interpretation bulletins, information circulars, and other publications, give more details on tax topics and help clients understand the tax system. For more information, see Getting a tax return.
To get forms and publications, go to our Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/forms or call 1-800-959-2221.
Visually impaired persons can get our publications in braille, large print, or etext (computer diskette), or on audiocassette by visiting our Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/alternate or by calling 1-800-267-1267 weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time). For more information, see "Multiple formats."
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A few days after Paul and Omar went to the CD store, Paul decided to find out if he was going to have to file a tax return. On the CRA Web site, he found out how to phone the CRA with tax questions.
He explained it all to Omar and Anya at school the next day. "I called this phone number that I found on the Web site and explained that I am working. They told me I might need to file a return, depending on how much money I earn this year," he explained.
"They also told me that I may get money back if I do file…so I am definitely going to send in a tax return," Paul continued.
"OK, but do you know what to do and how to complete a tax return?" asked Anya.
"No, but when I was on the Web site, I read that there are volunteers who can help me complete a tax return…and it's free," said Paul. "Also, when I phoned, they told me that I could order a guide that will explain how to complete a tax return."
"Are you serious? They help you with your tax return for free?" asked Omar.
"Yes, that's the deal," said Paul. "I can go and see them at the school or at a library. I just have to look in the paper to find out when I can go." For more information on getting help with your tax return, see our Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
"This all sounds easier than I thought it would be," said Omar.
Just then the bell rang, and they all went off to class. |
