Can't get my "Option C". Problem?

[DustinBrett]

I have been traveling on and off since March 2011 and have earned less than $8,000 CAD in all this time. I haven't filed taxes since then or if I have I did it online and forgot about it. I am moving to Vancouver with my wife now and will be applying as a sponsor. I have a job contract from my employer which shows I am making good money. I tried calling CRA at 1-800-959-8281 but I have got a busy signal every time for weeks.

What should I do? Can I submit my sponsorship application with my job contract and bank account statements and a letter explaining my situation? Or do I need my most recent Option C? And if I need it, how can I get it? I tried getting it online but my CRA account is locked and I can't unlock it. And that 800 number seems to be busy 24/7.

 

[SchnookoLoly]

You only have to submit an Option C if you filed tax in the past tax year (so in this case it would be for 2013, as 2014 ones aren't available yet). If you are not able to provide one then just explain why as you have in this post.

 

[Mapleson]

First off, you can always file 2013 and 2014 taxes online and get processed within a week. For 2011 and 2012, you need to use either a proper tax company or the paper copies. The first is more expensive, but quicker.

The 1-800 number is super busy right now because it's two weeks before the tax deadline. You have two options: continually redialing or using *66 for busy call return (*86 to end the option).

The Option C printout makes your application smoother, but you can do things in alternative fashions if you can't get it.

 

[bigredmoose]

First off, you can always file 2013 and 2014 taxes online and get processed within a week. For 2011 and 2012, you need to use either a proper tax company or the paper copies. The first is more expensive, but quicker.

The 1-800 number is super busy right now because it's two weeks before the tax deadline. You have two options: continually redialing or using *66 for busy call return (*86 to end the option).

The Option C printout makes your application smoother, but you can do things in alternative fashions if you can't get it.

I did not include any option C however I did explain the reason why, and it was fine.

 

[Zakmalik]

I also have not yet filed my taxes because I have no income to report but I do intend to file this month , is there a way to send without option c and explain I can send it once I receive it ? I don't want to wait another month for an option c I want to send the application asap, also what kinds of things do you write in the letter? I know it's common for people living out or canada to not have option c I haven't seen anyone in canada not provide option c and get approved but could be wrong,

 

[Mapleson]

Yes, you don't need the Option C, it just makes it smoother. So long as you aren't on social assistance, there is no financial requirement for spousal applications. You can write a letter explaining your situation, and/or provide other evidence of income or other actions.

 

[truesmile]

It's not a case of being approved or not, it will just take longer. For the sake of one month it may very well be worth while waiting until you have it so that you can include it and avoid delays.

 

[John777]

You need to keep trying CRA number, as they are most busy right now, you will get through after 5th or 6th times.

As you can still apply taxes for previous years, You can wait for couple weeks and get the option c print out rather than waiting longer to get your application approved.

 

[daijoeboo]

I'm just copy-pasting from another post of mine, I got my Option C easily here is my experience.

The LAST year you were in Canada (and subsequent years) where you earned CDN income and you received T4's, you must file for these years if you haven't done so already.
Investment income, interest paid etc., is a different ballgame, this is job income earned.

You have to be declared a non-resident, which they should already know from your passport activity. So if you're traveled on and off but not left the country long enough to be declared a non-resident then things change a little, you may have to file for every year like a regular CDN citizen.

The CRA will be able to tell you if you have filed taxes properly for all fiscal years when you received income in Canada and T4's were issued.
(Subsequent years when you were a non-resident and did not have a Canadian income will not be relevant.)

So to put it into perspective, here is my experience.
I sponsored my wife summer 2014.

1) I called CRA and told them I wanted an Option-C.
2) They investigated my 'file' (my SIN) and informed me I had not filed for 2007, which was the last year I received Canadian income before moving overseas.
3) They re-issued all required documentation (T4's) for me to be able to file for 2007 and mailed it to me in my country of residence.
4) I downloaded the required forms T1 from the CRA website (they'll tell you which ones) and completed my 2007 tax return and mailed it to my CRA rep.
5) They confirmed everything was okay and mailed me the Option C to my country of residence.
6) I applied outland with the OptionC July 2014.
7) September 2014 I was approved as a sponsor.

So that's just a timeline of events for you.
I would call CRA, get on the line with someone about personal income tax, tell them you wish to file for all years outstanding.
They will send you reprints of all the T4s you need and should tell you online where to find the right T1 forms etc.
File for those years and the Option C should come your way within a month.

As people have pointed out, it's fine to go ahead without the OptionC as well, it appears not to be a make-or-break decision.
But if you really want one, the above is what you'd have to go through.