How to Fill Out RC65: Marital Status Change Form for CRA

When your marital status changes — whether you get married, enter a common-law relationship, separate, divorce, or become widowed — you need to notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Form RC65 — Marital Status Change is used for exactly this purpose. Updating your marital status promptly ensures your benefits and credits are calculated correctly and prevents overpayments that you'd have to repay later.

Why Does the CRA Need to Know?

Quick tip: download the official RC65 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download RC65 form (official CRA).

Your marital status affects many CRA-administered benefits and credits, including:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Based on family net income — adding a spouse means combining incomes
• GST/HST Credit: Amount varies based on marital status and family income
• Canada Workers Benefit: Different thresholds for single vs. married/common-law
• Old Age Security (OAS) and GIS: Benefit calculations consider spouse's income
• Climate Action Incentive Payment: Amount depends on family composition
• Provincial and territorial benefits: Many are tied to marital status

Failing to report a marital status change can result in overpayments that the CRA will claw back, sometimes causing financial hardship. It can also mean you're missing out on benefits you're entitled to.

See also: GST/HST Credit Guide for Newcomers

When to Use RC65

You should file RC65 when:

• You get married
• You begin a common-law relationship (living together in a conjugal relationship for 12 continuous months, or having a child together)
• You separate from your spouse or common-law partner (for at least 90 consecutive days)
• You divorce
• Your spouse or common-law partner passes away

You must notify the CRA before the end of the month following the month in which your status changed. For example, if you get married on March 15, you should file RC65 by the end of April.

Learn more at the CRA marital status update page.

How to Fill Out RC65

Part 1: Your Information

Enter your personal details:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN): Your 9-digit SIN
• Full name: As it appears on your tax records
• Date of birth: YYYY-MM-DD format
• Address: Your current mailing address
• Telephone number: Where the CRA can reach you

Part 2: Your New Marital Status

Select your new marital status from the options:

See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada

• Married: You have entered into a legal marriage
• Common-law: You have been living with a partner in a conjugal relationship for 12+ continuous months, or you have a child together (by birth or adoption)
• Separated: You have been living apart from your spouse/partner for 90+ consecutive days due to a breakdown of the relationship
• Divorced: You have a final divorce decree
• Widowed: Your spouse or common-law partner has passed away

Enter the effective date of the change. This is the date the marriage took place, the date you started living apart, the date of death, etc.

Part 3: Spouse or Common-Law Partner Information

If your new status is married or common-law, provide your partner's details:

• SIN: Your spouse/partner's Social Insurance Number
• Full name: Their legal name
• Date of birth: YYYY-MM-DD
• Net income: Their estimated net income for the current tax year (this helps CRA recalculate benefits immediately)

If you're reporting a separation, divorce, or widowhood, you may still need to provide your former partner's SIN for processing purposes.

Part 4: Signature and Date

Sign and date the form. Both you and your spouse/partner should sign if you're reporting a marriage or common-law relationship (this helps update both accounts simultaneously).

How to Submit RC65

You have several options:

Option 1: Online (Recommended)

The fastest way is through CRA My Account. Log in, go to "Personal profile," then "Marital status," and update it directly. No paper form needed — the system processes changes much faster than mail.

See also: CRA My Account Setup Guide

Option 2: By Phone

Call the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 and request a marital status update. Have your SIN and your spouse's SIN ready.

Option 3: By Mail

Print and complete RC65, then mail it to your local CRA tax centre. This is the slowest option — allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

Common-Law Relationships: Special Considerations

Many newcomers are unfamiliar with Canada's concept of common-law partnerships. In Canada, living with a partner in a conjugal relationship for 12 continuous months makes you common-law partners in the eyes of the CRA — whether or not you have a marriage certificate. This status triggers the same tax and benefit implications as marriage.

Key points about common-law status:

• 12-month clock: Starts from the day you begin living together. If you separate and then reconcile, the clock may restart (consult the CRA if unsure).
• Parent exception: If you have a child together (biological or adopted) and live together, you're considered common-law immediately — no 12-month wait.
• Same-sex relationships: Fully recognized as common-law or married in Canada.
• Not reporting = problems: Failing to declare a common-law relationship is one of the most common CRA audit triggers, especially when CCB is involved. If the CRA discovers an undeclared common-law partner, you may have to repay significant amounts of CCB.

Impact on Your Benefits: Examples

Getting Married or Becoming Common-Law

When you gain a spouse/partner:

• CCB may decrease: Your family income now includes your partner's income, which may reduce your benefit
• GST/HST credit may change: The credit is recalculated based on combined family income
• You may gain a spouse amount: If your partner has low income, you may be able to claim the spouse or common-law partner tax credit on your return

Separating or Divorcing

When you lose a spouse/partner:

• CCB may increase: Only your income is considered now
• GST/HST credit may increase: Lower family income threshold
• GIS may increase: For seniors, benefits are based on individual income rather than combined

Note: You must be separated for at least 90 consecutive days before you can report a separation to the CRA. If you reconcile within 90 days, your status doesn't change.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Update promptly: Don't delay — late updates can cause benefit overpayments that must be repaid
• Update both accounts: When getting married or starting common-law, both partners should update their CRA records. Using My Account online is the easiest way to do this.
• Keep documentation: Have your marriage certificate, separation agreement, or death certificate available in case the CRA requests proof
• Review your benefits: After updating your status, check CRA My Account to see how your benefits have been recalculated. If something looks wrong, call the CRA.
• File taxes correctly: On your next tax return, ensure your marital status on page 1 matches what you reported on RC65. Inconsistencies cause delays.
• Common-law awareness: If you're living with a partner, track the 12-month threshold and file RC65 as soon as it applies. The CRA is vigilant about undeclared common-law relationships.

For Newcomers

If you got married abroad, your marriage is recognized in Canada (as long as it was legal where it took place). Report your marital status accurately from the start — on your first tax return and through RC65 if it changes. If you sponsored a spouse and they've arrived in Canada, update your CRA records to reflect that you are living together.

See also: First-Year Tax Filing Guide

If you arrived in Canada with a common-law partner, declare the relationship on your first tax return. You are considered common-law from the day you enter Canada together (assuming you've already lived together for 12+ months).

Final Thoughts

Form RC65 is simple but important. A few minutes spent updating your marital status can save you from months of benefit recalculations and repayments. Whether you're celebrating a marriage or navigating a separation, keeping the CRA informed protects your financial wellbeing. WelcomeAide is here to help you manage every aspect of your life in Canada — including the paperwork.

Download This Form

Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download RC65 form (official CRA). Always use the latest version.

Related internal guides

• IMM 5257 guide
• IMM 1294 guide
• IMM 1295 guide
• IMM 5409 guide
• IMM 5532 guide

Official external resources

• Download RC65 form (official CRA)
• IRCC forms and guides library
• IRCC document checklists
• CRA forms and publications
• IRCC processing times

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• WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
• Tax Guide — understand taxes, filing deadlines, and common credits
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• Cost Calculator — estimate monthly living costs in Canada
• Benefits Guide — find federal and provincial financial supports

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Official Government Sources

• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Government of Canada Taxes
• File an Income Tax Return
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
• Government of Canada Finance Services
• GST/HST for Businesses