Flexibility measures for individuals and businesses

QUÉBEC CITY, March 17, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - To simplify the lives of individuals and businesses affected by the exceptional situation stemming from COVID-19, the government has asked Revenu Québec to apply flexibility measures for individuals and businesses in Québec during income tax filing season.

Measures aimed at individuals

• The deadline for producing and filing income tax return is postponed to June 1, 2020.
• For individuals and individuals in business, the deadline for applying balances due related to income tax returns for the 2019 taxation year is postponed to July 31, 2020.
• For those who must pay tax instalments, the payment of the June 15, 2020 tax instalment is suspended until July 31, 2020. The date and terms of payment of this amount will be announced shortly. Individuals will have a reasonable period of time to pay the amount due.

The terms and conditions of the flexibility measures can be consulted in the Information Bulletin published by the Ministère des Finances at www.finances.gouv.qc.ca.

Individuals who anticipate a tax refund are urged to file their income tax returns promptly to obtain such refunds. For those who receive amounts from social programs such as the solidarity tax credit and the family allowance, Revenu Québec will ensure that the payments are made as planned on July 1, despite the postponement of the income tax return filing deadline.

Measures aimed at businesses
In the case of businesses, the payment of tax instalments and taxes due as of today is suspended until July 31, 2020. The date and terms of payment will be announced shortly. Businesses will have a reasonable period of time to pay the amounts due.

Measures aimed at tax return preparers and tax return preparation sessions
Flexibility measures are also planned for tax return preparers. Revenu Québec will from now on allow tax return preparers to use an electronic signature on certain forms that they must have their clients sign. This will limit the administrative procedures to be carried out in person.

Moreover, Revenu Québec and the Canada Revenue Agency accept the decision of community-based organizations that are suspending tax return preparation sessions, again with a view to limiting travel and contacts with the clientele. However, this situation could change in the coming weeks, considering the postponement of the income tax return filing deadline and depending on how the situation evolves.

Reminder:

• On March 11, 2020, the Premier established an economic vigilance team comprising eight ministers.
• The team will examine and monitor the global economic situation and, depending on different possible scenarios, determine the best measures to support the Québec economy.

Quotation:

"The flexibility measures announced today seek to afford taxpayers respite during this turbulent period during which priority must be given to compliance with the directives of the Direction de la santé publique. They are part of an array of economic measures that will be implemented in the coming days to help workers and businesses to get through this unprecedented crisis."

Eric Girard, Minister of Finance

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre des Finances

Fanny Beaudry-Campeau, Press Relations Officer, Office of the Minister of Finance, Tel.: [phone]