TORONTO--(Marketwire - March 23, 2010) - As tax season fever grips the country and Canadians start to file their income taxes for 2009, the next step is to start thinking about how to spend your refund this year. Last year, according to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the average refund for the 2008 tax year was C$1,400*. If you take even a portion of your refund and combine it with the exceptional airfare deals currently being offered by Cheapflights.ca, you've got yourself the makings of a great 'taxation vacation' over the spring or summer months.
It's a well-known fact that the earlier you file your taxes, the quicker you will receive your refund. According to the CRA, it takes approximately four weeks to receive a refund if you file before April 15 and more like six weeks if you file on or after April 15. ** If you file online through NETFILE, the electronic tax-filing option that is increasingly becoming more popular with Canadians, the process is even quicker. Refunds are usually deposited in your account in as little as eight business days from the day you sent your tax return over the Internet. *** So the bottom line is, the earlier you file your taxes, the faster you will get your refund and the sooner you can plan your 'taxation vacation'.
"If you're looking for an incentive to get your tax paperwork together just remember that filing your taxes is the first step toward a tax refund," says Oonagh Shiel, Content Editor for Cheapflights Canada. "Whether your refund is a few hundred or a few thousands of dollars (or anywhere in between), Cheapflights Canada has a travel deal for you. Plus you can learn ways to stretch your refund by checking out Cheapflights' travel tips such as How to find Airfare Deals or tips on When to get the best deals."
Canada's leading website in travel price search and comparison is helping consumers find the right holiday to match their tax bracket.
For Beach Lovers
The lure of a quiet beach, a tropical drink and warm sun on your shoulders is practically irresistible for many. The good news is that for just over C$300, you can fly from Toronto to Nassau, where the Bahamian dollar is on par with the US dollar making it virtually on par with the Canadian dollar. The current favourable currency rate means you can stretch your refund even further.
For those who receive a slightly larger return and are looking for an exotic beach holiday, book a flight from Vancouver to Rio de Janeiro for US$856. Be sure to check out the legendary Copacabana Beach and the famous Ipanema Beach -- two of the most popular beaches in Brazil as well as two of the most well-known urban beaches in the world.
For Adventure Seekers
For some, nothing boosts energy like an outdoor adventure. If you want an adrenaline-fuelled taxation vacation, fly from Vancouver to Los Cabos, Mexico, from C$493 where you can enjoy a crazy fun off-road adventure at Wide Open Adventures. Adventure trips range from one to seven days, so stay as long as your refund allows.
For the Weekend in the City Crew
The sophistication, culture and history of a big city can be the ultimate change of pace. For those drawn to the bright lights and new venues, we also have a few options. Canadians on the west coast looking to take your tax return and double it can do so in Las Vegas. Flights from Vancouver to Las Vegas start at C$228.
And for those on the east coast, whether you're a high roller or just want to try your luck, there's a game for you in Atlantic City. Flights from Toronto to Atlantic City are available from C$196.
Getting a more generous return and want to glam it up? Hop on a flight to Paris for all the finer things in life. Flights from Montreal to Paris start at C$556. With flights that cheap, book the Glamour Package at the Hotel Royal Saint Honoré. Live the life of luxury with this package which includes a deluxe room upgrade, a half bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne, a buffet breakfast in the Salon Louis XVI and sweetmeats.
All prices are for round trip airfares and include taxes and fees and are correct at time of publication. Prices are subject to availability.
* http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2009/m05/nr090506-eng.html
** http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rfnds/prcss-eng.html
*** http://www.netfile.gc.ca/rfnd-eng.html
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