Tax return basics

You will need:

• your tax slips, like the RL-1 slip (employment and other income), the RL-2 slip (retirement income and annuities) and the RL-3 slip (investment income)
• your supporting documents, like statements for your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) and receipts for your childcare expenses, medical expenses (medication, dental expenses, eyeglasses, medical treatment, etc.) and tuition fees

You don’t have to include these documents with your return. However, you do have to keep them in case we ask for them.

Most of them! Fees for medical and dental services, prescription drugs, premiums under the Québec prescription drug insurance plan or a private insurance plan, and prescribed devices and equipment are all eligible.

If you paid travel, lodging or moving expenses to get medical care not available in your area, you may also be able to claim the amount for expenses for medical care not available in your area.

The quickest and easiest way to complete your return is to use commercial software. If you prefer, you can also use our paper forms. To help you, refer to the guide to the income tax return (TP-1.G-V), which has instructions for the individual lines on the return.

Most commercial software will let you file your completed return online using NetFile Québec. If you file your return online, you don’t have to mail it or any other documents.

When you file online, your return is processed faster because certain steps (such as mailing and manual processing) are eliminated. Also, you receive quick confirmation that your return has been received.

Since the regular filing deadline (April 30) falls on a Saturday this year, you have until May 2, 2022, to file your 2021 income tax return and pay any income tax you may owe. No interest or penalty will be charged.

If you or your spouse had a business, the deadline is extended to June 15. Regardless of which deadline applies, you must pay any income tax due by April 30. Interest will accrue on any unpaid balance as of May 1.

Direct deposit lets you get the amounts you’re entitled to more quickly. There are four ways to sign up:

• using the online services in My Account for individuals
• using your financial institution’s online services
• enclosing a voided cheque with your name and social insurance number on it with your tax return
• filing a Request for Direct Deposit (form LM-3-V) or enclosing it with your return

Yes. Many of the slips you’ll need to do your taxes are available in My Account for individuals by February 28.

There are three simple ways to pay your income tax:

• directly on your financial institution’s website
• in person at your financial institution or an ATM
• by mail

Simply log in to My Account for individuals. It’s the simplest way to find information about your return. You can also use the Refund Info-Line to find out when you’ll get your refund.

If you need to make changes to your return, you can either:

• use the service in My Account for individuals (conditions apply)
• complete a Request for an Adjustment to an Income Tax Return (form TP-1.R-V) and mail it to us along with the necessary supporting documents
• use the same software you used to file your return (2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018 only).

Even if you have no income tax to pay, you should file a return to take advantage of social programs and other tax benefits.

Yes. If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may be eligible for the income tax assistance program, where a volunteer will help you complete your tax returns free of charge so that you can get the tax credits you’re entitled to.