Budget Bulletin: Frequently Asked Questions About the Taxpayer Refund Program

FINANCE--Budget Bulletin: Frequently Asked Questions About the Taxpayer Refund Program

• Do I have to apply for this payment? No. If you filed your income tax return for the year 2001, 2002, met the residency requirement and you paid $1 or more in provincial income tax in any of those years, you will automatically receive the one-time payment of $155. If you don't meet these requirements but file and pay provincial income taxes in 2003, you will receive your refund in 2004.

• Who is eligible to receive the payment? In general, any Nova Scotia resident who filed their personal tax return in a qualifying year, was assessed by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, paid provincial tax that year, and had a valid Nova Scotia home address at the time of processing. Businesses are not eligible.

• When will the cheques be mailed? If you are eligible for 2001 or filed and had a 2002 return assessed by May 1, 2003, your cheque will be mailed in mid- to late-June 2003. Other 2002 returns will be processed later in 2003 or early in 2004. 2003 refunds will be processed in 2004.

• What if I haven't filed a tax return for 2001 or 2002? 2001 returns must have been assessed by December 31, 2002. You have until December 31, 2003 to file and have your 2002 tax return assessed to be eligible for a payment during 2003. You have until December 31, 2004 to file and have your 2003 tax return assessed to be eligible for payment in 2004.

• If I paid tax in all three years, does it mean I get three cheques? No, this is a one-time payment only. We expect the vast majority of Nova Scotia taxpayers to be covered by the 2001 return.

• I've moved to a new address since then. What do I do? Call toll-free 1-866-413-8183 (in metro, 424-2502) for more information.

• Do I have to declare the payment as income or a taxable benefit the next time I do my taxes? No, you will not pay tax on this payment.

• If I'm on income assistance, will my regular payment be clawed back? No.

• Are there any people who might not be eligible, even if they paid tax in 2001 or 2002 or will in 2003? There may be people who did not have a valid Nova Scotia home address as of a specific effective date, residents of other provinces or territories who paid Nova Scotia income tax, or non- Canadians who paid tax while commuting here to work.

• Where can I get more detailed information? You can call toll-free at 1-866-413-8183 or 424-2502 in metro Halifax. You can also find information on the Nova Scotia government Web site at www.gov.ns.ca .

NOTE: For further 2003-04 budget information, visit the Department of Finance Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .