After filing your income tax return in Canada, one of the most eagerly awaited outcomes is the refund. Whether you’re expecting a few hundred or a few thousand dollars back, it’s natural to want to know exactly when it will arrive. Fortunately, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides several ways to check the status of your tax refund online, by phone, or through its mobile app.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how refunds work, what to expect during processing, and the steps you can take to track your tax refund quickly and efficiently.
1. Understanding How Refunds Work
A tax refund occurs when the total income tax you paid throughout the year (via deductions, credits, or withholdings) exceeds the amount of tax you owe. The CRA reviews your return, processes it, and if a refund is due, they issue the payment by direct deposit or cheque.
Several factors can affect your refund amount, including:
- Employment income and withholdings
- RRSP contributions
- Tuition and education credits
- Medical expenses or disability tax credits
- Provincial and federal benefits
2. How Long Does It Take to Get a Refund?
The CRA’s refund processing time varies depending on how you filed your return and whether you opted for direct deposit.
- NETFILE/EFILE (Electronic filing): Typically 8 to 10 business days
- Paper filing: Can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer during peak tax season
If your return is flagged for review or audit, your refund may be delayed.
3. How to Check Your Refund Status
a) Using CRA My Account
CRA’s secure online portal—My Account—is the fastest and most detailed way to check your refund status.
Steps:
- Visit the CRA My Account website.
- Sign in using your CRA user ID/password or through a sign-in partner (e.g., your bank).
- Once logged in, go to “Tax Returns” and select the tax year.
- Your refund status will be displayed, including the date it was issued and the method (direct deposit or cheque).
Benefits:
- See real-time status of your return and refund
- Check for any pending reviews or reassessments
- Access your Notice of Assessment (NOA)
b) Using CRA’s Automated Phone Line
If you prefer to check by phone, CRA offers an automated Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS).
Call: 1-800-959-1956 (available 24/7)
Before calling, have ready:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of birth
This system will provide you with basic refund information and expected dates.
c) Using CRA MyCRA Mobile App
The CRA’s mobile app, MyCRA, also lets you track your refund from your smartphone.
Features include:
- Refund status tracking
- Access to Notice of Assessment
- RRSP and TFSA contribution limits
Download: Available on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android)
4. Common Refund Status Messages and What They Mean
When checking online or through the app, you might encounter the following statuses:
- Return received: The CRA has received your return and it is in queue for processing.
- Processing: Your return is being reviewed, and calculations are underway.
- Notice of Assessment issued: Your tax return has been finalized, and refund status is confirmed.
- Refund issued: The refund has been sent via direct deposit or cheque.
- Under review: Your return has been flagged and is being examined more closely. This may delay your refund.
5. Setting Up Direct Deposit for Faster Refunds
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your tax refund. If you haven’t yet enrolled, you can do so in any of the following ways:
- Log in to CRA My Account and update your banking information
- Call CRA at 1-800-959-8281
- Contact your financial institution and authorize them to register you
Once enrolled, your refunds, GST/HST credits, and benefit payments will be deposited directly into your account.
6. What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Refund
If you haven’t received your refund after the standard processing period, take the following steps:
- Confirm your return was filed and received by CRA (via My Account or phone)
- Check for any CRA requests for additional documents or reviews
- Ensure your banking and address details are correct
- Wait at least 10 business days after the refund was issued before contacting CRA about delays
If you still don’t receive your refund, contact CRA directly to request a trace.
7. Tips to Get Your Refund Faster
- File your return electronically using NETFILE-certified software
- Sign up for direct deposit
- Double-check your return for completeness and accuracy
- Avoid mailing paper returns unless absolutely necessary
- File early in the tax season to beat the rush
8. Conclusion
Checking the status of your CRA tax refund is quick and easy using a variety of tools including CRA My Account, TIPS, and the mobile app. Being informed allows you to track delays, verify direct deposit, and take proactive steps if your return is selected for review. Whether you’re a first-time filer or a seasoned taxpayer, staying on top of your refund status helps reduce stress and ensures you receive your money as soon as possible.
