Frequently Asked Questions About Changes to the Retail Sales Tax Return
- Why did the Ministry of Revenue make changes to the Retail Sales Tax (RST) return?
- What has changed?
- When will I receive the new return?
- When will I receive information about completing my new return?
- Is this the only change the ministry is making?
- How will I make corrections on previously filed returns?
- How do I record and pay the amounts owing on my account?
- How will I deduct credits on my account or obtain a refund?
- What happens if I lose the returns that are mailed to me?
- Can I use the replacement return to make my payment at the bank?
- What if I have more questions or need help?
Why did the Ministry of Revenue make changes to the Retail Sales Tax (RST) return?
The new RST return is easier to read and use. It gives you a clearer picture of your RST tax account status. This change is part of our modern integrated approach to customer service and our new way of doing business at the Ontario Ministry of Revenue. The ministry is currently in the process of changing its systems and business processes to make it more convenient for you to comply with Ontario's tax laws.
What has changed?
The return:
- A new Account Balance field: the new RST return will show your "Account Balance" (i.e., the amount owing or the credit balance on your account). The account balance will be displayed on the working copy of the return. The balance shown will be as of the date your return was printed.
- A new line (Line 7) – Payment Amount: this is the total amount of your payment in Canadian funds. It should be equal to the Total Tax Due (Line 6) plus any outstanding balance owing or minus any credit balance.
- The Adjustment Line (currently Line 6) will be removed from the return. You will be able to request an amended return to make an adjustment to a previously filed return. You can also continue to make amendments in writing, by phone, at one of our tax offices or through your financial institution's Internet banking service.
Return process:
- Statement of Account: If you have an amount owing in your "Account Balance" you will receive a Statement of Account with a payment advice (i.e., payment slip).
- Notice of Assessment: If you make an amendment to a previously filed return, you will receive confirmation in writing called a Notice of Assessment or a Notice of Re Assessment. Please keep it for your records.
When will I receive the new return?
Monthly filers will receive the new return in December 2007, for filing on or before January 23, 2008. For all other filers (including seasonal, special accounting and quarterly) you will receive the new returns, from December 2007, according to your filing frequency.
If you normally get three returns at a time, you will get just one in December. You will start getting your three-at-a-time returns again in January, using the following schedule:
- January, February, March – issued in January
- April, May, June – issued in April
- July, August, September – issued in July
- October, November, December – issued in October
When will I receive information about completing my new return?
You will receive line-by-line instructions with your new return.
Is this the only change the ministry is making?
The new RST return is the first of many tax-service improvements from the Ministry of Revenue. Starting in 2008, you will see more service improvements, such as new online services and a single toll-free telephone number.
How will I make corrections on previously filed returns?
You will have five convenient ways to amend a previously filed return:
- in writing – you can send written instruction to any one of our Ministry of Revenue Tax Offices to amend a return.
- by phone – you can phone any one of our Ministry of Revenue Tax Offices to amend a return. Staff can simply take the amendment details over the phone and update your tax account immediately.
- online – you can use your financial institution's Internet banking e-filing service to amend a return.
- in person – you can visit any one of our Ministry of Revenue Tax Offices to amend a return.
- you can also request that an amended return form be sent to you for completion.
Tax clients who request amendments will receive confirmation in writing (i.e., a Notice of Assessment or a Notice of Re Assessment) which they should keep for their records.
How do I record and pay the amounts owing on my account?
To record your payment you can use the payment advice (payment slip), which will be attached to your Statement of Account, or you may add the amount to your Payment Amount (Line 7) on your current return.
Payments on returns can be made through your financial institution, by mail, or in person at an Ministry of Revenue Tax Office. You can also file and pay online through your financial institution's Internet banking service.
How will I deduct credits on my account or obtain a refund?
You may deduct the credit in your account balance from your Total Tax Due (Line 6) to arrive at the Payment Amount (Line 7) on your return. You may also contact the ministry, to request a refund of any overpayments.
What happens if I lose the returns that are mailed to me?
You may request replacement copies of those returns or you may visit a local Ministry of Revenue Tax Office to complete them. You can also, easily and conveniently, file your returns online using your financial institution's Internet banking service.
Can I use the replacement return to make my payment at the bank?
Yes. Replacement returns will have the same information printed on them as the original returns issued to you. Please note that financial institutions are not able to accept nil returns.
What if I have more questions or need help?
If you need help filling out your new return card, our publication "How to complete your Retail Sales Tax (RST) Return" gives you line by line instructions.
For general inquiries, call:
- 1 866 ONT-TAXS (1 866 668-8297) toll free
- 1 800 263-7776 teletypewriter (TTY)
You can also contact your nearest Ministry of Revenue Tax Office for further information and assistance.
