Filing your first Canadian tax return matters, even if you earned little or nothing. It is how you get many government benefits.
Why file?
- To receive the GST/HST credit and the Ontario Trillium Benefit
- To receive the Canada child benefit if you have children (you may also need to apply separately)
- To start building RRSP room for future years
- To get back any tax withheld from your pay
What to report in your first year
You are generally taxed in Canada on your world income from the date you became a resident. Income earned before you arrived is usually not taxed in Canada, but CRA may ask for it to calculate certain credits and benefits.
Important details
- Enter the date you became a resident on your return
- Some credits are reduced based on the part of the year you lived in Canada
- Foreign income after arrival, such as rent or interest from back home, must be reported
- If you own foreign property costing more than $100,000, form T1135 is generally required from your second year
What to bring
- Your SIN and immigration or arrival documents
- T4 slips and other Canadian slips
- Details of any income from outside Canada after you arrived
- Rent receipts and tuition forms, if any
We help newcomers file their first return correctly and in English, Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu. Book a free 15-minute consultation.
This article is general information, not tax advice. Rules and amounts change; contact us about your situation.