What is a Canada RIT Deposit? Unexpected Surprise Deposits From the CRA

Picture this: you’re lounging in your comfiest PJs, sipping a cup of cocoa, and browsing through your online banking statement. Suddenly, you come across an unfamiliar transaction – the “Canada RIT Deposit.” Is it a secret gift from the Canadian government?

Nope, it’s money they owe you. However, not all Canadians receive a RIT right away – or at all. Sometimes, you’ll see it show up in your bank account on a random date, months after filing your income tax return.

Due to showing up out of the blue, it’s often called “surprise money” and yes it’s a pleasant surprise. But what exactly is the Canada RIT deposit and how does it work? Here’s what you need to know about this sometimes unexpected deposit from the Canada Revenue Agency.

What is the Canada RIT Deposit?

The Canada RIT Deposit is the abbreviation of Canada Refund Income Tax Deposit. It’s a bit of a mouthful, right? If you received the funds right after filing your annual income tax return, then it’s likely just a regular tax refund brought to you by the friendly folks at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In this case, it reflects that you overpaid your income taxes during the tax year.

This overpayment can occur for various reasons. For instance, maybe you had too much tax withheld from your paychecks. In other cases, you may qualify for tax deductions or tax credits not applied during the year or have unclaimed tax credits from previous years.

If you didn’t recently file your income tax return, or didn’t expect a windfall, a Canada RIT Deposit can mean your taxes were reassessed. If the CRA did reassess your taxes, then you’ll likely have received a Notice of Reassessment by mail or via your CRA account. It does not mean you’re in trouble or facing an audit.

Reasons for getting a Canada RIT Deposit

Does it mean my taxes were reassessed?

Does it mean I’m in trouble?

Was the Canada RIT deposit a mistake from the CRA?

These are all valid questions. Surprise money is always nice, but it can feel a little jarring if it comes when you least expect it. It does not mean you’re in trouble or being audited. There are several reasons why you may receive an RIT Deposit after filing your income tax return:

Over-withholding

Employers are responsible for withholding income tax from your paycheques throughout the year. If they held back too much, you may receive a Canada RIT Deposit after filing your income tax return.

Tax deductions

You may qualify for tax deductions that reduce your taxable income, resulting in a lower income tax liability. If you did not claim these deductions during the year, you could receive an RIT Deposit.

Tax credits

Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. If you qualify for tax credits that were not applied during the year, or if you have unclaimed tax credits from previous years, you may receive an RIT Deposit.

Tax installments

If you make tax instalment payments throughout the year and end up paying more than your actual tax liability, you may receive an RIT Deposit.

What if I didn’t get a Notice of Reassessment?

Everyone makes mistakes, including government tax officials. If you received a Canada RIT Deposit and have no idea why, it’s a good idea to confirm it’s legit.

Sign into your CRA My Account to look for a Notice of Reassessment. On the left menu panel, scroll down to “Correspondance” and click on Mail.” Set the correspondence type to “all” and search within the last 12 months or by a specific tax year. If you still can’t find anything, it’s time to call CRA.

Who is eligible to receive Canada RIT Deposits?

Any Canadian who files their taxes, as well as Canadian businesses who file taxes, can receive a Canada RIT Deposit. Unfortunately, not everyone will get it. To be eligible for an RIT Deposit, you must file a complete and accurate income tax return with the CRA.

There are many ways you can reduce your income tax owing and hopefully end up with a refund. Make sure that you report all your income, claim all eligible deductions and credits, and provide any supporting documentation required.

Once your income tax return gets processed, the CRA will calculate your actual tax liability and compare it to the amount of tax you have already paid. If you have overpaid, the CRA will issue an RIT Deposit to refund the difference.

How can I receive my Canada RIT Deposit?

To receive your RIT Deposit, you can choose to have it directly deposited into your bank account or sent to you as a cheque by mail. It is generally faster to receive your refund through direct deposit.

To set up direct deposit, log into your MyCRA Account. From the left menu panel, click on “Profile.” Under your contact information, there should be a Direct Deposit option. Select “Edit” and enter your banking information.

When will I get my refund?

Canada RIT Deposits do not have any specific dates. When you receive it depends on when you file your income tax return and/or when your return gets reassessed. However, you can expect to receive it shortly after filing your income taxes.

Tax season runs from February to June. Personal income taxes are typically due by April 30th. For self-employed people, your income tax returns are due by June 15th.

If you file your income taxes online, it could take up to 14 days or more to receive your Canada RIT deposit if you’re owed money. Paper returns sent by mail can take over eight weeks to process and receive payment. And international tax filers can wait over 16 weeks for their tax refunds.

Additionally, the CRA might review your tax return later, potentially leading to extra refunds if discrepancies are found.

My bank statement says Canada RIF, what does that mean?

Don’t panic, it’s just another name for the RIT and means a refund or tax credit. Most of the time, the deposit will show up as “RIT/RIF” on your bank statement. It’s still money owed to you in relation to your income tax return.

I received a Canada RIT Deposit, what should I do with it?

Using your Canada RIT Deposit wisely can provide financial relief and contribute to your overall financial stability. Consider your individual financial situation, goals and priorities when deciding what to do with your windfall. Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of your RIT Deposit:

Pay off high-interest debt

If you have outstanding high-interest debt like credit card balances or payday loans, using your RIT Deposit to pay off or reduce these debts can save you a significant amount in interest charges. Prioritize debts with the highest interest rates to maximize your savings – a debt repayment strategy known as the Avalanche Method.

Build an emergency fund

An emergency fund provides a financial safety net for unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, medical bills or a job loss. Consider using your RIT Deposit to start or add to an emergency fund equal to three to six months’ worth of living expenses. A high-interest savings account is a great place for 911 money.

Save for retirement

Contributing your RIT Deposit to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) can help you grow your retirement nest egg. Both accounts offer tax advantages, but the contribution limits and withdrawal rules vary, so choose the one that best suits your financial goals and needs.

Pro-tip: Putting your Canada RIT Deposit in an RRSP account helps reduce your taxable income and could help your increase the size of your refund come the next filing season.

Invest in your education or professional development

Investing in your education or professional development can lead to increased earning potential and job opportunities. Use your RIT Deposit to enroll in a course, attend a conference or obtain a professional certification that can boost your career prospects and your potential income.

Invest in a brighter future

Perhaps you have a major purchase or life goal in mind, such as buying a home, starting a business, or going on a dream vacation. In this case, use your RIT Deposit as a down payment or to kickstart your savings plan. For example, the new First Home Savings Account (FHSA) came into effect in April 2023 and can help you save for a home by reducing your income tax liability and allowing your investments to grow tax-free.

Online investing platforms like Questrade and Wealthsimple can make the most of your RIT Deposit by offering zero-commission trades and low-cost robo-advisors.

Contribute to your children’s college fund

Consider using your RIT Deposit to contribute to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your children’s post-secondary education. This can help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and related expenses when they attend college or university.

Support charitable causes

If you’re passionate about a particular cause or charity, consider donating a portion of your RIT Deposit. Not only will you contribute to a meaningful cause, but you may also qualify for a charitable donation tax credit, which can reduce your tax liability in the following year.

FAQs about the Canada RIT Deposit