Question 1

Do I need to file taxes if I just arrived in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even if you earned nothing, filing a tax return lets you access benefits like the GST/HST credit (quarterly cash payments) and Canada Child Benefit. Filing costs nothing and can only help you.

Question 2

What about income I earned in my home country before moving?

Accepted Answer

You only report Canadian-source income for the period you were a resident. However, you must report your worldwide income for the part of the year you were a Canadian resident. Foreign income earned before you became a resident is generally not taxable in Canada.

Question 3

Can I file taxes without a SIN?

Accepted Answer

You need a SIN to file. If you cannot get a SIN, you can apply for an Individual Tax Number (ITN) using form T1261. However, getting a SIN should be your first priority.

Question 4

When is the deadline to file?

Accepted Answer

April 30 is the deadline for most people. If you or your spouse is self-employed, you have until June 15 to file, but any amount you owe is still due April 30.

Question 5

Will I get money back (a tax refund)?

Accepted Answer

Many newcomers get refunds because employers withhold tax from each paycheque throughout the year, often more than what is actually owed. Filing your return is the only way to get that money back.

Question 6

Do I have to report bank accounts or property I own abroad?

Accepted Answer

If you hold specified foreign property (including bank accounts, but not personal-use property) with a total cost over $100,000 CAD, you must file Form T1135. However, new immigrants are generally exempt from T1135 for the calendar year they first become Canadian residents. Starting the following year, the requirement applies in full.

Question 7

My spouse does not work. Should they still file?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Filing a return even with zero income lets your spouse access benefits like the GST/HST credit and helps with your spousal tax credit claim.

Question 8

What exchange rate do I use for foreign income?

Accepted Answer

Use the Bank of Canada exchange rate on the day you received the income, or the average annual rate if income was received throughout the year.

Question 9

I am a student with low income. Do I need to file?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Filing lets you claim tuition credits, build RRSP contribution room, and access the GST/HST credit. Tuition credits can carry forward to future years when you earn more.

Question 10

What if I made a mistake on my return?

Accepted Answer

You can fix it by filing an adjustment through CRA My Account online, or by mailing Form T1-ADJ. You generally have up to 10 years to request a change.

Question 11

I drive for Uber/DoorDash. How do I handle taxes?

Accepted Answer

Gig income is self-employment income. Report all earnings on Form T2125 even if you do not receive a T4. You can deduct business expenses (vehicle costs, phone, supplies). Set aside 25-30% of earnings for taxes since nothing is withheld. If you earn over $30,000 in a 12-month period, you must register for GST/HST.

Question 12

Can I claim the cost of moving to Canada on my taxes?

Accepted Answer

You can claim moving expenses if you moved at least 40 km closer to a new job or full-time school in Canada. This includes travel, temporary lodging, meals during the move, and lease-breaking fees. Claim on Form T1-M. The move must be within Canada, from one Canadian address to another.

Question 13

I arrived mid-year. Do I get the full Basic Personal Amount?

Accepted Answer

No. As a part-year resident, your Basic Personal Amount ($16,129 federal for 2025) is pro-rated based on the number of days you were resident in Canada. If you arrived July 1, you would get roughly half the credit.

Question 14

Do refugee claimants need to file taxes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Refugee claimants who have a valid SIN or ITN should file a return. Filing gives access to the GST/HST credit and may qualify you for the Canada Child Benefit. Social assistance income is reported but generally not taxable.

Question 15

What are CPP and EI deductions on my paycheque?

Accepted Answer

CPP (Canada Pension Plan) is a mandatory contribution that builds your future retirement pension. In 2025, you contribute 5.95% on earnings between $3,500 and $71,300, plus 4% on earnings between $71,300 and $81,200 (CPP2). EI (Employment Insurance) provides income if you lose your job. You pay 1.64% on earnings up to $65,700. Your employer matches or exceeds these contributions. These are not lost money: CPP builds your pension, and EI provides a safety net.

Question 16

Should I open a TFSA or RRSP first as a newcomer?

Accepted Answer

For most newcomers, a TFSA is the better first choice. You have no RRSP room in your first year because it builds from your first Canadian tax return. TFSA room starts the year you become a resident. The 2025 TFSA limit is $7,000. All growth and withdrawals are tax-free. If you plan to buy your first home and you meet the CRA first-time home buyer test, also consider opening a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for $8,000/year in tax-deductible, tax-free savings.

Question 17

I have property or investments in my home country. What do I report?

Accepted Answer

As a Canadian resident, you must report worldwide income including foreign rental income, foreign investment income, and foreign pensions. If foreign property (including bank accounts, but not personal-use property like your former home) has a total cost over $100,000 CAD, file Form T1135. New immigrants are exempt from T1135 for their first year of Canadian residency. Use the Bank of Canada exchange rate to convert amounts.

Question 18

Can I get the GST/HST credit before filing my first return?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Newcomers can apply for an initial GST/HST credit payment using Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada) without waiting for tax season. Submit it shortly after arriving and receiving your SIN.

Question 19

My employer withheld too much tax. Will I get it back?

Accepted Answer

Very likely. Employers withhold tax based on your annualized salary, but if you started mid-year, your actual annual income is lower. When you file your return, CRA calculates the correct tax and refunds the difference. Filing via NETFILE typically results in a refund within 2 weeks.

Question 20

What is a deemed disposition and does it affect me as a newcomer?

Accepted Answer

When you become a Canadian tax resident, the CRA treats your assets (investments, foreign real estate other than your personal home) as if you sold and re-bought them at fair market value on the day you arrived. This sets a new cost basis. You only pay Canadian capital gains tax on increases in value after that date, not on gains that happened before you moved. Document the fair market value of your assets on your arrival date.

Question 21

What is the FHSA and can newcomers use it?

Accepted Answer

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) lets you contribute up to $8,000 per year (lifetime limit $40,000) toward your first home. Contributions are tax-deductible like an RRSP, and withdrawals for a qualifying home purchase are tax-free like a TFSA. You can open an FHSA if you are a Canadian resident, at least 18, and a first-time home buyer under the CRA's 4-calendar-year test. Owning property abroad does not automatically disqualify you, but living in a qualifying home you owned or jointly owned during that test period usually does.

Question 22

I received social assistance or workers' compensation. Is it taxable?

Accepted Answer

Social assistance payments are reported on your return (line 14500) but are then deducted (line 25000), so they are effectively not taxed. Workers' compensation benefits work the same way: reported as income, then deducted. However, these amounts are included in your net income calculation and can affect income-tested benefits like the GST/HST credit and CCB.

Question 23

How do I find a free CVITP tax clinic near me?

Accepted Answer

Visit the CRA website and search for 'free tax clinic' or go to the CVITP clinic locator page. Enter your postal code to find clinics nearby. Many clinics also offer virtual appointments by phone or video. Clinics are busiest in late March and April, so booking early is recommended.

Question 24

What is Auto-fill My Return and should I use it?

Accepted Answer

Auto-fill My Return (AFR) is a CRA feature built into most certified tax software. It imports your tax slips (T4, T5, RRSP receipts) directly from CRA into your return, reducing errors and catching slips you might have missed. To use it, link your CRA My Account to your tax software. CRA says you can register for CRA My Account only after a current-year or prior-year return has been filed and assessed, so most first-time filers cannot use AFR until after their first Notice of Assessment.

Question 25

I have a SIN starting with 9. Does it affect my taxes?

Accepted Answer

A SIN starting with 9 is issued to temporary residents (work permit, study permit holders). It has an expiry date matching your permit. You can still file taxes normally, but if your SIN expires before filing season, update it at Service Canada after renewing your permit. An expired SIN can delay your return processing and benefit payments.

Question 26

Can I claim private health insurance premiums on my taxes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Private health insurance premiums you paid out of pocket (not through employer group plans) are eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit. This includes premiums for health, dental, and vision plans you purchased during provincial health insurance waiting periods or for coverage not included in your provincial plan.

Question 27

What happens if I owe taxes but cannot pay the full amount?

Accepted Answer

File your return on time even if you cannot pay. Filing late triggers a 5% penalty plus 1% per additional month. If you file on time but owe, CRA charges only interest on the unpaid balance. You can request a payment arrangement by calling CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to set up installments.

Tax Guide for Newcomers

How Taxes Work in Canada

Key Concepts