Taxes · 50 guides
Filing, and the benefits that only arrive if you file.
- 🏔Ontario Funeral Assistance: Can Ontario Works Help Low-Income Families with Funeral Costs?Funeral assistance is not a standard cash benefit under Ontario Works in Ontario. This article, based on the official ontario.ca page, explains what Ontario Works covers, who can apply, and how to apply, and notes that funeral assistance is not listed on the official page.
- 🏔Ontario: What Happens to Ontario Works at Age 65? OW, OAS and GIS ExplainedOntario Works (OW) is administered by the Ontario government, while Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are federal benefits administered by Service Canada. This guide summarizes what each official page states about eligibility, amounts and how to apply.
- 🏔Renting a Room in Ontario as a Senior: How Rental Income Is Reported and Whether It Affects OAS and GISIn Ontario, a senior renting out a room must report the rental income to the CRA. Whether it affects Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) depends on official rules on income reporting. This article only restates what Canadian government pages say.
- Claiming Medical Expenses on Your Tax Return: Eligible Costs and the ThresholdThe Canada Revenue Agency lists eligible medical expenses on lines 33099 and 33199. This guide explains what qualifies, how the threshold is calculated, and what documents are needed.
- 🏔Ontario Probate: How to Apply for an Estate Certificate and How Much Estate Administration Tax You PayIn Ontario, the Estate Administration Tax is charged on the value of an estate when an estate certificate is applied for and issued. This guide, based on Ontario government sources, explains who pays, how the tax is calculated, which assets are included or excluded, and the Estate Information Return filing requirement.
- 🏔Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Income Supplements: NL Income Supplement and NL Seniors' Benefit AmountsNewfoundland and Labrador offers two refundable tax credits for low-income individuals, seniors and families: the NL Income Supplement and the NL Seniors' Benefit. This guide summarizes amounts, income thresholds, payment method and application requirements based on the provincial Finance Department page.
- 🏔Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant: How to ApplyThe Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant is administered by the Ministry of Finance and provides up to $500 to low-to-moderate income senior homeowners. It is applied for through the ON-BEN form when filing taxes.
- 🏔Alberta Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program: Deferring Property Taxes Until You SellAlberta's Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program allows eligible homeowners aged 65 and older to defer residential property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan from the Government of Alberta. The loan becomes due when the home is sold, ownership changes, or the home is no longer the primary residence.
- Leaving Canada to Resettle Abroad: Departure Tax, Non-Resident Status and Filing TaxesHow the Canada Revenue Agency defines an emigrant and a non-resident, what the departure tax (deemed disposition) covers, and what filing obligations apply in the year of departure and afterwards.
- What Is an RESP? How the CESG and CLB Government Benefits WorkA Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a federal long-term savings plan for a child's education after high school. The government adds money through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). This guide summarizes eligibility, amounts and age rules from official pages.
- 🏔Alberta Energy Rebate: Apply Online by October 31Alberta's one-time $100 Alberta Energy Rebate requires an online application through an Alberta.ca Account by October 31, 2026; some provincial benefit recipients are enrolled automatically.
- Federal Underused Housing Tax (UHT): Do Non-Citizen Owners Need to File?The federal Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is an annual 1% federal tax that took effect on January 1, 2022. It generally applies to foreign national owners of housing in Canada, and in some situations also to certain Canadian owners. This article explains what the tax is, who administers it, and how to determine whether you are an affected owner.
- 🏔BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax: Annual Declaration, Who Pays, Who Is ExemptBritish Columbia's speculation and vacancy tax applies to residential property owners in designated taxable areas. Owners must declare every year by March 31. This article summarizes the official page on how to declare, exemptions, tax credits and payment timing.
- 🏔Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) for Seniors: How Much Can You Get on Top of OAS/GIS?The Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) provides a monthly, non-taxable payment to low-income Ontario seniors, on top of federal OAS and GIS. This guide summarizes eligibility, payment amounts, how to apply, and payment dates based on the official Ontario.ca page.
- Can You Receive Old Age Security (OAS) While Living Outside Canada? The 20-Year RuleThe Old Age Security (OAS) pension has separate residency requirements for people living outside Canada: 10 years if you live in Canada, 20 years if you live outside Canada. This guide summarizes the official eligibility rules, income conditions, and why the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) normally stops after you leave the country.
- Benefit Payment Dates: Full-Year ScheduleA calendar of payment dates for federal and provincial benefits, including CCB, GST/HST credit, OAS, and more, based on official sources.
- What to Reapply for When Moving to Another ProvinceMoving to another province involves updating health cards, driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and possibly claiming moving expenses. This article summarizes official federal information to help you understand what to do after a move.
- How Does CCB Work After Separation or Divorce? Can Both Parents Receive It? Do I Need to Notify CRA?After separation or divorce, eligibility and amounts for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) may change. This article explains who can apply, how to apply in shared custody, and whether you need to notify the CRA, based on official CRA information.
- How to Change a Previous Year's Tax ReturnThe CRA allows taxpayers to request changes to an assessed tax return to correct amounts or add missing information. This article covers eligibility, methods, processing times, and limitations.
- How to Spot Fake CRA Calls and TextsThe CRA does not use threatening calls or texts to demand payment. This article explains legitimate reasons CRA may contact you, how to spot scams, and how to verify a call is really from CRA.
- Easily Missed Tax Credits and DeductionsThe CRA website lists deductions, credits, and expenses you can claim on your personal tax return, including medical expenses, moving expenses, and child care expenses, to help reduce tax owed.
- What to Do with Your RRSP at Maturity: Converting to Retirement IncomeLearn about your options for your RRSP when you turn 71, including transferring to a RRIF or annuity, and the tax implications.
- How Canada's Retirement Income Works: OAS, CPP, and Personal SavingsCanada's retirement income comes from government pensions (OAS, CPP) and personal savings. This article explains each benefit based on official government sources.
- Home Accessibility Tax Credit for SeniorsThe federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) helps cover costs of renovations that make a home safer and more accessible. This article explains eligibility, eligible expenses, credit amount, and how to claim.
- OAS Pension Clawback: What It Is and How It WorksThe Old Age Security (OAS) pension has a recovery tax: if your net world income exceeds the threshold, you must repay part or all of your pension. This article explains the thresholds, calculation, and filing requirements based on official sources.
- After a Loved One Dies: CPP Death Benefit and Survivor's BenefitsThe Canada Pension Plan (CPP) death benefit is a one-time payment to the estate or eligible individuals on behalf of a deceased contributor. This article explains eligibility, amount, application steps, and official sources.
- 🏔Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): The Three-in-One PaymentThe Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a tax-free payment from the Ontario government that combines three credits to help low-to-moderate income residents with energy costs and taxes.
- How to Determine Your Residency Status for Tax PurposesThe CRA determines your residency status based on residential ties, which affects your tax obligations. This article summarizes the official steps and common scenarios.
- RRSP Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution Limits, Tax Deduction, and WithdrawalsLearn the basics of the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) in Canada, including setting up, contributing, deducting, withdrawing, and tax implications.
- 🏔Fair PharmaCare Plan Registration GuideLearn about BC's Fair PharmaCare plan: income-based assistance for prescription drug costs, how to register, eligibility, and important notes.
- 🏔B.C. Family Benefit: How to Apply, Amounts, and Relationship with Federal CCBThe B.C. family benefit is a tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18, administered by the CRA and paid together with the Canada Child Benefit. This article summarizes eligibility, application, amounts, and its relationship with the federal benefit.
- TFSA Tax-Free Savings Account: How Contribution Room Works and What You Can Invest InA TFSA is a registered tax-free savings account in Canada. This article, based on official CRA information, explains what a TFSA is, who can open one, how contribution room is calculated, over-contribution penalties, withdrawal and transfer rules, and eligible investments.
- Foreign Reporting (T1135): What to Report and What NotThe CRA requires eligible taxpayers to report certain foreign assets. This article explains reporting obligations, forms, and penalties based on official sources.
- Certified Tax Software for NETFILE (2025)The CRA certifies third-party tax software each year. This article lists the certified software for 2025, including free and paid options, and notes important usage disclaimers.
- Free Tax Clinics: Low-Income Individuals Can Get Help from VolunteersThe Canada Revenue Agency offers free tax clinics through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) for people with modest income and simple tax situations. Learn how to find a clinic and get help.
- How to Register for CRA My Account: The Gateway to All BenefitsCRA My Account is the CRA's online portal for managing taxes and benefits. This article explains how to register and sign in, based on official information.
- Canada Caregiver Credit: Tax Relief for Supporting FamilyThe Canada caregiver credit is a non-refundable tax credit that helps taxpayers who support a spouse or dependant with a mental or physical infirmity. This article covers eligibility, claim amounts, required documents, and how to claim.
- How to Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) provides direct financial support to persons with disabilities aged 18 to 64. Eligibility starts June 2025, payments begin July 2025. Payments start the month after approval, with possible back payments up to 24 months.
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC): A Benefit Many MissThe Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit from the Government of Canada for persons with severe and prolonged impairments or their supporting family members, reducing income tax payable. This article explains what it is and how to apply.
- How to Apply for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a tax-free monthly payment for families caring for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment. Eligible families receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) with a child approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) get it automatically.
- 🏔How to Apply for Ontario Child Care SubsidyHow to apply for the Ontario child care fee subsidy? This article explains eligibility, how to apply, and key notes based on official information.
- Canadian Citizenship: Residency, Test, and Application GuideBased on official IRCC information, this guide answers common questions about citizenship residency, test, language, and dual citizenship.
- FHSA First Home Savings Account: $8,000 Tax-Free Limit Per YearFHSA is a tax-free savings account for first-time home buyers in Canada, allowing up to $8,000 per year in contributions for a down payment. New immigrants who qualify can open one and combine it with the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP).
- How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? Can New Immigrants Apply?The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps eligible residents afford dental care. New immigrants who meet the criteria can apply. This guide covers eligibility, required documents, application steps, and important notes.
- How to Apply for the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and Its Relation to Tax RefundThe Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit for low-income workers, consisting of a basic amount and a disability supplement, applied automatically through tax filing.
- 🏔How to Claim Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) provides direct financial help to lower and middle-income families with children under 18. Learn eligibility, application steps, and common pitfalls.
- How to Get the GST/HST Credit (Renamed in 2026)New immigrants only need to file taxes annually, and the CRA automatically determines eligibility for the GST/HST credit. Renamed as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) in July 2026, this guide shows you how to apply and check payments.
- How to Apply for Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and How Much You Can GetNewcomers with children can get the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), but you must meet residency and tax filing requirements. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and common pitfalls.
- How to Apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Its Relationship with OASGIS is a monthly tax-free benefit for low-income seniors 65+. This guide explains eligibility, automatic enrollment, and tax filing requirements.
- How to File Taxes for the First Time as a Newcomer? Do I Need to File in the Year I Land?In your first year in Canada, you usually don't need to file a tax return, but you can apply for benefits early. This article explains filing deadlines, what to prepare, and common pitfalls.
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