Filing taxes
Income tax
In Canada, people pay income tax each year. This money is used to support important programs, such as education and health care. For more information about which programs are funded through your taxes, you can visit the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
You want to keep in mind that:
- Generally, residents must send their income tax return to the Canada Revenue Agency by April 30
- Most people automatically have taxes taken out of their pay cheque throughout the year
- If you pay too much tax from your pay cheques, you will receive a refund of the excess tax that was withheld
- If not enough tax was withheld, you will have to pay the balance owing
After you file your income tax, you may be eligible for credit and benefit programs such as:
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The Canada Child Tax Benefit
This tax benefit is designed to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.
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The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit
This tax credit designed for families or individuals with low or modest income to help them balance all or part of the GST/HST that they pay
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The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)
This program is designed to help eligible taxpayers who may need assistance in preparing their tax and benefit returns.
The CRA also offers valuable information for newcomers. On this page, you can find videos explaining how to file taxes if you are doing so for first time as well as a whole video series on the Canadian tax system.
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