Filing taxes in Canada -> temporary to permanent resident

[ottawaResident]

Hi,

I had a SIN beginning with a "9" under my old work permit and study permit. This was a temporary SIN. I was filing my taxes electronically using a tax software.

I'm now a Permanent Resident and have a new permanent SIN beginning with "5". How do I go about filing my taxes now? Can I still use the tax software or do I have to go tax preparation store (like H&R)...or is there some other way?

Thanks!

G

[jes_ON]

I'm about to do the same thing    As you know, the first year you ever file in Canada, you have to file on paper to a special office.  After that, you can keep doing it how ever you like, same as you did last year...  (I like U-File )

When you got your new SIN, Service Canada is supposed to have informed CRA of the change, so the 2 SINs should be linked.  I was told that you could contact CRA and confirm that they have your new SIN - haven't done it yet, myself...

[SenoritaBella]

I've done it and it took about 5mins to confirm. The CRA agent said it is important to confirm that the 2 SINs are linked before using the new number to file.

[toby]

I've done it and it took about 5mins to confirm. The CRA agent said it is important to confirm that the 2 SINs are linked before using the new number to file.

Or  just mention  the changed SIN in a cover letter for the tax return.  Of course, this means you must mail it rather than e-file it, but no big problem.

[Rossei]

You're supposed to file your tax return in a paper-based format when you get a new SIN. But if your new SIN has already been linked with the old one by CRA, you can still do NETFILE/ U-FILE (which will be lot faster).

As SenoritaBella said, it would take 5~10 min to confirm this with CRA. I knew from recent correspondence sent by CRA that my SIN has been changed in their files and I was also given a new NETFILE code for 2011 in mail. But this did not work so I called them yesterday. They instantly created a new NETFILE Access Code for me for 2011.

Anyway, this is the number you can call: 1-800-714-7257 (CRA e-Services Help Desk)