When will I get my tax refund back? No help when I called to query this.?

Question

I did my taxes and sent them off before the due date (April 30, 2011). Actually, I had an accountant do them for me as I have never done them before. (I am only living in Canada just under a year, and am not a Canadian citizen). So I still haven't received my refund cheque yet. I called them to see what the delay was. I had the misfortune of getting through to the most ignorant person I have ever spoken with. He was very, VERY unhelpful. He just kept saying that because it was my first time doing my taxes it could take AT LEAST 6 months to get my tax back (I called 2 months after sending in my taxes). So I asked him to explain why this was so, or at least give me some more information. I told him I saw on the website that people could track the progress of their tax refund, and that I had tried to register but was advised to call them (probably because it was my first time filing taxes). I asked him could he help or advise how I could register on that so I could track the progress of my refund, he replied with "NO". I asked him could he give me an indication of the status of my refund now, I got the same reply, followed by call back in 4 months and we can tell you then. I mean, that doesn't make any sense to me at all. Basically he told me that it could take 6 months to get my refund, and to call back in 4 months (which would be 6 months after I filed my taxes) to find the status of my refund. And then any question I asked, he kept replying "READ BETWEEN THE LINES OF WHAT I AM SAYING...CALL US BACK IN 4 MONTHS." Can someone please tell me if this is true (that it is that long a wait if filing for the first time), or offer me some advice on how I can find out? Thanks!!!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

my 2 cents worth is -- if the return was paper filed and not with a direct deposit application attached, then anywhere between 3 and 6 months -- that's why they cautiously say 4 months. I do income tax and accounting for a living and when a client has a refund I always ask whether they prefer direct deposit as it is faster than snail mail. Also, If you filed a self-employment report or something that is somewhat questionable then they need to assess it properly and that can stretch things out. If your return was a simple T4 slip (for employment) I do not see any reason why it should take long even as a first time filer. However, if you owe any money for prior returns or owe money to MSP (Medical Service Plan) then they can deduct that from your refund. My general advice is to budget your finances and expenses so you can put the refund towards your RRSP -- I know everyone has different urgencies. 
And the way the government is printing money, a dollar today is worth more than a dollar 6 months from now. ---------- Good luck, and drink hot tea. 
Hot tea balances the hormones and relaxes the stomach.
Stay calm. The difference between your expectations and the status quo is stress onto YOUR shoulders. Stress is the cause of too much dis-ease and too few people realize it. I wish I could be of more help.

sophieb · Answer

I'm in the USA.  I've heard that scammers are taking the refunds so if I were in your position I would phone the people you pay your taxes to and give them your Social Security number or identifying number and ask them if your taxes have been processed yet or how far along it is.  They should have that information in their database.  I wouldn't further mess with the person that filed your taxes.  If he continues to stall I'd be wondering if he even sent them in.  I hope you made a copy of your taxes for yourself (that's your proof).

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When will I get my tax refund back? No help when I called to query this.?

2 Answers