Ottawa has given a slight tax-filing extension to self-employed individuals and their spouses or common-law partners. They have until midnight on Monday, June 17, 2002, to file their 2001 income tax returns.

As June 15 falls on a Saturday this year, the filing deadline has been extended to the next working day, Monday, June 17. Tax returns received or postmarked by midnight on June 17, 2002, will be considered to be filed on time.

Late-filing penalties on amounts owing for 2001 will only apply to returns received or postmarked after June 17. However, interest on amounts owing for 2001 accrues from May 1, 2002. This is because clients who owe tax for 2001 had to pay the balance owing by April 30, 2002, even if the return is not due until June 17.