Filing your first Canadian tax return

Filing a tax return is how Canada decides not only what you owe, but also which benefits and credits you can receive. Many newcomers get money back.

Why file, even with little income

• To receive the GST/HST credit, a tax-free quarterly payment for people with low and modest incomes.
• To receive the Canada Child Benefit if you have children under 18.
• To qualify for Ontario benefits, such as the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
• To qualify for some other programs, like the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Key dates

The tax year is January 1 to December 31. Most people must file by April 30 of the next year. If you or your spouse are self-employed, you have until June 15 to file, but any tax owing is still due April 30.

Your first return

• Your first return covers the date you became a resident of Canada until December 31.
• You report your income from inside and outside Canada after you arrived.
• You also tell the CRA your world income for the part of the year before you arrived. It is not taxed in Canada, but it is used to calculate your benefits.

Free help

Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, volunteers at free tax clinics can prepare your return if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation. Many settlement agencies host clinics in tax season.