Revenu Québec reminds Quebecers that they have three days left to file their 2019 tax returns. They have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June1, to complete and submit their returns electronically or by mail.
To date, Revenu Québec has received 5,308,000 tax returns, of which 4,721,000 were filed electronically via ImpôtNet Québec. Last year, 86% of returns were filed electronically. As of May 27, some 64% of citizens had received a tax refund, while 29% had a balance to pay.
ImpôtNet Québec is a service offered by Revenu Québec that enables citizens to file their tax returns online using certified software. Quebecers who use it can receive their tax refunds up to twice as fast.
If you expect to receive a tax refund, it’s a good idea to file your tax return quickly, so you can get the money you’re entitled to sooner. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Revenu Québec has prioritized the processing of refundable returns.
As of May 25, tax refunds to taxpayers totaled $3.4 billion. Adding refunds paid to businesses (QST and tax credits) and those paid to beneficiaries of sociofiscal programs, total payments amounted to $7.6 billion since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
ADMINISTRATIVE FLEXIBILITY
To help Quebecers cope with the consequences of COVID-19, the Quebec government has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns from April 30 to June1. The deadline for paying a tax balance for the 2019 tax year has been extended to September1.
In addition, since the tax payment deadline has been extended, Revenu Québec will not impose a late-filing penalty for tax returns filed on or before September1, 2020.
Revenu Québec has also pledged great administrative flexibility in this exceptional context. For example, it has granted additional time to file applications for certain social and tax programs, such as the tax credit for home support for seniors and the housing allowance program.
In the case of citizens who have not filed their 2019 tax return on time and who are entitled to the solidarity tax credit, this credit will be determined on the basis of their 2018 tax return and information held by Revenu Québec. Eligible beneficiaries will therefore continue to receive payments until September 2020.
Revenu Québec is also applying a number of other measures to ease the burden on individuals and businesses in view of the exceptional circumstances.
ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Revenu Québec also reminds us that it is still possible to apply for benefits under the Programme incitatif pour la rétention des travailleurs essentiels (PIRTE). This financial assistance of up to $1,600 is intended for workers in essential sectors earning between $5,000 and $28,600 a year.
Eligible workers will receive payments of $100 per week, for a maximum of 16 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
Revenu Québec will be accepting applications for PIRTE until November 15.
