GST ... help me out

[thatangela 134]

I just checked my Canadian savings account and the CRA dumped an $80 GST payment into my world.

I think I've read that we aren't supposed to get that after we leave the country and it will get clawed back when they realize I'm no longer a resident. Do I have to call them and head them off at the pass?

Anyone else had this happen?

Thanks in advance!

[Transborderwife 4,666]

You need to inform them that you no longer are qualified to receive that or any benefit. Then make a payment and give it back.

[thatangela 134]

Got the phone number and every time I tried calling on Friday it was busy. I'll keep trying this week.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Keep trying...not sure what your timeline is but if you haven't filed your exit return yet, they're not bright when someone tells them they actually want to STOP receiving money.

I went for almost a year before they stopped and yes, you'll owe it all back - they make sure of that even if you've told them a few times.

ps: Don't pay them until they send you the letter indicating you owe it back to them - you'll get an envelope and a slip - then you have solid proof. A random payment to the wrong department could just go into limbo.

Edited August 3, 2015 by Udella&Wiz

[NikLR 13,220]

Also they will send back the payment if you just send it back to them. I've had that happen as well. Just don't spend the money and pay it back at tax time.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Also they will send back the payment if you just send it back to them. I've had that happen as well. Just don't spend the money and pay it back at tax time.

I had an issue with cctb and gst. They told me over the phone to simply cash the cheques and make a bill payment online to them. It worked.

[NikLR 13,220]

That works too if they get it fixed before tax time. My GST never was. CCTB was done before I moved. Not sure what the issue was with the other one. /doh

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I had to call them and tell them 3 times before they stopped sending me checks. Eventually it worked!

[thatangela 134]

Dang, I wish I'd checked in. I did finally get a hold of GST (it's a popular number apparently).

The gal CSR did instruct me to make a payment and told me specific places to make that payment. I wish I could remember them now. I haven't received anything other than the e-notification that the payment was made.

I guess I just need to be vigilant. My chief concern is that mistakenly receiving these payments will affect the decision on my NR-73. The CSR, however, assured me it would not. But it is the government, so you know ...