If you recently moved to Canada, there is a good chance you will have to file a Canadian tax return. Specifically, you will have to file a return if any of the following apply:
- You need to pay tax for the year
- You want to claim a refund
- You want to receive benefit/credit payments
Check out the resources below to make sure you have everything you need for your first Canadian tax return.
Reporting your income
The following types of income need to be reported on your return:
- Employment income earned in Canada
- Employment income earned from a business carried on in Canada
- Taxable capital gains from selling taxable Canadian property
- Scholarships, bursaries, fellowships, or research grants you receive from Canadian sources
As a newcomer to Canada, you will be responsible for reporting both your Canadian income and your foreign-source income on your Canadian tax return. Although you will usually not be taxed on your foreign-source income through your Canadian return, you must report this to see if you qualify for the 90% rule.
Useful resources
Wealthsimple Tax Resources
- Why can’t I enter my date of entry?
- I don’t have a first name, how do I finish my return?
- How do I report my NR4 slip?
Filing your return if you have a spouse
If your partner immigrated to Canada within the tax year, you will also need to report this on your return.
If your partner is living outside of Canada, you may be able to claim them on your return. Learn more here.
Wealthsimple Tax resources
- My spouse is not a resident of Canada, what do I do?
- Why doesn’t the spousal amount appear on my return? (spouse immigrated this year)
Other deductions
A deduction is something that is used to reduce your total amount of taxable income for the year. Below are common deductions for Canadians, along with information on whether you can claim them as a newcomer to Canada.
RRSP contributions
If this is your first time filing your taxes in Canada, you will not be able to claim RRSP contributions made as a deduction on your return.
Support payments
If you make spousal or child support payments, you may be able to claim these as a deduction on your tax return.
Moving expenses
For the most part, you can only claim moving expenses if you moved within Canada. However, some exceptions apply.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB).
You will not be eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) if you immigrated to Canada in the Tax year. Learn more.
Other deductions
You might be able to claim other deductions on your return, depending on your specific situation.
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