Kelowna

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If you are like millions of Canadians waiting patiently for your income tax package to arrive in the mail - you'll be waiting a long time.

The Canada Revenue Agency, in an effort to get more Canadians to file their taxes online, will no longer automatically mail out income tax and benefit packages.

In a news release issued this week, CRA officials say the agency is changing the way they do things because the way Canadians are filing taxes and doing business is also changing.

"The CRA monitors and refines its business processes on an ongoing basis to make sure it uses its resources responsibly and remains efficient and effective in delivering services to Canadians," the CRA stated in its release.

"The CRA encourages taxpayers to file and pay electronically and more Canadians than ever are making the shift to the CRA's quick, easy and secure online services."

Officials claim some 1.3 million tax packages printed for individuals went unused.

CRA says it costs the agency about four times more to process a paper return that an electronic return.

Tax packages won't be available for another week or two.

Online filing is not available until February 11.

"While the CRA will no longer mail T1 personalized income tax packages, taxpayers can still file on paper. T1 General guides and forms are available on the web, at Service Canada and Canada Post outlets or by calling 1-800-959-8281."