The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the income tax department in Canada.
As per the income tax year of Canada, which runs from January 1 to December 31, every Canadian tax resident must file their taxes before April 30. However, they can file their taxes after the due date and may be subject to late filing penalties and interest. If you live in Canada and are looking to file a Canadian tax return, you've landed at the right place.
Nuages Consulting Chartered Professional Accountants specialize in filling all sorts of taxes. Best of all, we provide a detailed report, walk you through your taxes for better understanding and represent you when it comes to the CRA – all free of charge.
Let's dive in!
Asserting the qualities of Non-residents
The CRA uses the residency test as an individual categorization for tax reasons. The CRA defines non-residents as those who live outside of Canada regularly and are not deemed Canadian tax residents.
Additionally, the CRA takes into account the following factors to determine your tax residency:
Criteria | Tax resident or non tax resident |
Spent the whole tax year outside of Canada | Tax resident |
Spend less than 183 days in Canada | Non tax resident |
Significant ties to a residence in Canada might include a primary dwelling, a spouse or dependents, and various other personal assets | Tax resident |
Provincial medical cards, a driver's license, and bank accounts in Canada | Tax resident |
The CRA has additional guidance for determining whether or not you are a tax resident.
There are no hard and fast regulations for residence, but rather recommendations and interpretations from the agency.
Filing Tax Return In Canada
If you're wondering how to file a tax return in Canada, pay attention to this section.
To file a tax return in Canada, you need a social insurance number (SIN) or Business Number (BN).
When you have one of these tax numbers, you can fill your taxes annually.
If you are unemployed or no longer in business, you are required to file your taxes by law.
If you don't have any of the two numbers, here is how you can get one.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) -
To get your hands on the social insurance number, do one of the following:
- Be a Canadian citizen. If you are born in Canada, you automatically get a SIN.
- Become a permanent resident. Once you become a permanent residence, your SIN will begin with any number other than 9 (SIN starting with 9 is for temporary residents). - Get a work permit. - Get a student visa. - Contact Immigration services.
Business Number (BN) - If you're not eligible to apply for SIN, you can easily apply for a Business Number. When incorporating, one director needs to be a Canadian permanent resident.
Once you have either the SIN or BN, there are three ways to file a tax return in Canada.
Online, by paper or in person. Check out the three ways and choose the one that fits your needs.
Nuages Consulting can file your taxes on your behalf. Fast, effective, and you may get your refund within a couple of days.
Online - If you wish to file your tax return directly, you have this online option. You need to use the electronic tax-filing option, NETFILE. Using this mode, you can directly file your tax to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Remember, you need to use a NETFILE certified product to prepare your tax return before sending it.
By mail - Another method to file a tax return in Canada is by filling the forms and then submitting them to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Mailing - The last method you can use while filing the tax return is mailing the tax return. First-time tax filers usually use this method. If it's your first time filing a tax return, be sure you send your tax return respective Tax Office.
What information do you need before filing your taxes?
Tax receipts from all of your income sources, including T4 forms from employment, T5 forms for interest, and T3 forms from trust income or mutual funds, are required before filing a tax return.
Remember to compile receipts from medical fees, donations and other tax forms such as RRSP contributions, tuition, and other T-slips.
How to amend your tax return.
Tax returns that have previously been submitted can be amended if necessary:
● Form T1 Adjustment Request, which may be filled out online or by paper, is available from the Canada Revenue Agency and submitted online or by mail. Go to "Change my return" under My Account; or
● Ensure you include your Social Insurance Number, name, address, and daytime phone number in your letter to the CRA. If you have more documents or receipts, you should provide those.
The tax advantages for residents
People with low or modest incomes are eligible for the GST/HST credit, which offset some of the GST/HST they pay when buying goods and services.
The GST/HST amount is calculated and determined by the CRA. Once you have filed your taxes, your CRA will inform you of the GST/HST credit you are entitled to.
If we file your taxes, we will estimate the GST/HST amount you will be entitled to; contact us today for a stress-free tax return.
Individuals with low or modest earnings who live in Ontario are eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit, which offsets their property taxes.
For families with children under 18 and under 21 with a disability, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides a tax-free monthly payment. The amount is based on a family's net income and can range from $10 to $1,000 or more per child.
If we file your taxes, we will estimate the CCB amount you will be entitled to; contact us today for a stress-free tax return.
All child and family tax advantages and any tax benefits you may be qualified for may be found in our Knowledge Hub.
Final Words
For more information regarding filing tax returns in Canada, feel free to visit our CPA tax experts at info@nuages.ca or call 416-477-1324 and take advantage of our stress-free tax return.