Tax time ... again

This year I finally took the opportunity to download my tax documents from the CRA into a fresh return and, like Samsung Pay, why I didn't do this sooner. As someone who started doing taxes when you had to look numbers up on a chart (not even calculations!) I have to wonder why anyone with a computer wouldn't use tax software to file on line.

My taxes are pretty simple. I have (or had) a T4 and dividend income from being a Coop member. Offsetting that income is RRSPs and charitable donations. I have a monthly donation to a few groups and top up RRSPs before the end of February. I know I have room because I worked for many years without having a pension plan (other than CPP) or extra cash to put in. It seemed that RRSPs separate from employment and charitable donations don't get imported. I do have a TFSA for investing because then I don't have to worry about capital gains. (I let stuff sit until there is a gain or forever.)

Because I'm in Alberta I don't get the Climate Action Incentive. This incentive is interesting because it's putting money in people's pocket before the tax kicks in April 1. I mentioned before that we took advantage of energy incentives when we got our solar panels and new washer.

The slickest thing about using tax software is that you file on-line and if you have automatic deposit set up your refund appears in the designated account in a couple weeks if you file fairly early. I suspect the government has a draft of your taxes ready for people like me with simple returns.

Check the link to see what's new for the 2019 tax season. Track your filing through MyCRA.