Differences Between Information and Access Requests
Although you can make an information request or an access request for the same documents, they have distinct differences.
You can no longer request a balance statement or debt confirmation through an information or access request.
To find out how to make this type of request, see Requesting a Balance Statement or Debt Confirmation.
Information requests
We advise you to make this type of request if you want to obtain information or documents that you have the right to access, such as:
- a document you sent us (income tax or consumption tax return, RL-slip or power of attorney), including any enclosed documents;
- a document we sent you (notice of assessment, determination, recovery or advance payments, or any other notice.
Fees
There are no fees for information requests.
Processing time
Information requests are handled as soon as possible.
To learn more about this type of request, see Making an Information Request.
Access requests
Access requests are more formal than information requests. They must be addressed verbally or in writing to the person in charge of access to information.
Fees
While researching and analyzing documents are free services, we charge for transcribing, sending or reproducing them. If this is the case, we tell you the exact fee beforehand.
For more information, see the Regulation respecting fees for the transcription, reproduction or transmission of documents or personal information.
Processing time
We have up to 20 days from the date we receive an access request to respond. However, the deadline can be extended by 10 days if needed.
Recourse
If your written access is denied in whole or in part or if you are not satisfied with our response, you can apply to the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec for a review.
To learn more about access requests, see Making an Access Request.
Before sending a request for administrative documents, click Publication of Information to read more about:
- documents released further to an access request;
- reference documents for decision making;
- information about expenses.
If you are looking for a form or publication, see the administrative documents in Forms and Publications. Some statistics that may be of interest to you are available in Statistiques (in French only) in our press room.