(Montreal) Quebecers continue to turn more and more to electronic means to submit their income tax returns to the government, to the great pleasure of Revenu Québec.
As of Monday, the deadline for submitting your tax report without penalty for individuals, 92% of the 6,041,000 tax returns received by Revenu Québec had been transmitted electronically, compared to 89% the previous year.
Revenu Québec is pleased with this increase, since electronic means allow it to process returns much faster than when it receives them by mail.
“Revenu Quebec’s goal is to issue a refund or notice of assessment within 14 days when a tax return is filed electronically, compared to 28 days when a return is mailed,” the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.
Among those who have already filed their tax return, 68% of them have received or will receive a refund, while 25% have a tax balance to pay. The average refund was $1,544, Revenue Quebec said.
During this tax season, Revenu Québec is also calling for caution regarding fraudulent messages, which are more frequent as thousands of Quebecers await a refund.
“Revenu Québec would like to remind the public that it will never send refunds by text message, just as it will not request any personal information by email. These are not ways of organizing,” it said.
In addition, people who have a balance to pay, but whose financial situation does not allow it to be done all at once, will be able to take advantage of options to make their payment in several instalments, according to Revenu Québec.
Individuals reporting business income and their spouse have until June 15 to file their tax return.