Examples of efficiency

You probably detect a hint of facetiousness. This one truly baffles me. 

Because this year's taxes included the sale of our recreational property, we owed more in taxes than we ever have. We prepared ourselves, filing and paying in a timely manner, but the unusual amount triggered the dreaded review of our taxes with a turnaround time of 30 days. I noticed the date on my letter, realizing it took almost two weeks to arrive, meaning a response was due in 14 days.  

The letter was four pages in length, and the list of required documents annoyingly included items previously filed and in their possession. Not wanting to rock the boat with complaints, I scanned 35 documents and was ready for the final upload three days prior to the deadline. I logged into CRA's website and was met with a major roadblock. In order to submit your information online you need to apply for a code, which can take 10-15 days. I would have had to apply prior to receiving my letter and the need for the code isn't apparent until you attempt to submit. I appreciate efficiency and this made little sense. The next step proved even more perplexing.

I called the number of the closest taxation office, listed on C's letter. The person was happy to give him an extension, but it was a no go for me. It turns out reviews are assigned from random CRA offices across the country, and although C's came through the office in the next town over, mine originated from the office located in St. John's Newfoundland, 6600 kilometres (3600 miles) away. No wonder my letter took almost two weeks to arrive. Extensions can only be issued by the office of origin. The four hour time difference left a narrow window for a phone call, which had to be delayed another day. It was taken care of the next day, but government efficiency bewilders me. 

That wasn't enough administrative glitchiness in a short period of time. The next day I cancelled a flight we have booked for December. Cancellations are free and can be accomplished online. Supposedly. The process appeared successful until I realized my Westjet dollars weren't automatically redeposited to my account, something that usually happens instantly. A four hour, yes FOUR HOUR phone call, resolved the issue. It helped immensely to realize the kind woman assisting me was also on hold for the same length of time with the department responsible for the mistake. Not even their own staff could escape the endless on-hold music.

Once again my rant is over and life is balanced by happy times. By the end of the day, the last members of the entire family are scheduled to arrive, from places near (Alberta) and far (Bali). It's going to be Christmas in August.

The celebrations have included the pandemic delayed opening of the 30 year old bottle of birthday wine. After I had a bottle of Torres Gran Coronas from my birth year, in my 30's, we bought a bottle of Torres wine for each child in their birth year, to be opened on their 30th birthdays.

And a dinner supplied by the ocean, a ten minute walk from our house.

 

Comments

[Karen]

Thank goodness for special (or any) family occasions (or non-occasions) to offset our frustrations Happy, happy, happy, for any together family times. I can imagine how overjoyed you were/are to have your family together. And, as always, good eats (and good wines) for celebration.

[Jane Toumpas]

Nice ! Merry Christmas Boesen Crew in August. Enjoy 🥰