FAQs about filing taxes in Canada as an international student:
Q1. As an international student, am I expected to file taxes?
If you are an international student studying in Canada and have significant residential ties to Canada like owning or renting a home, have their spouse/common law partner/ dependents in Canada,
If you are an international student studying in Canada and have significant residential ties to Canada like owning or renting a home, have their spouse/common law partner/ dependents in Canada,
have personal property like car furniture, etc, have a driver's license, have a Canadian bank account, health insurance, etc, are considered a resident of Canada, and are encouraged to file taxes.
Q2: What are the benefits of filing taxes as an international student?
Just like Canadian residents, filing your taxes as an int'l student would make you eligible for GST/HST credits, tuition carry-forward credits, and other provincial credits or tuition rebates!
Just like Canadian residents, filing your taxes as an int'l student would make you eligible for GST/HST credits, tuition carry-forward credits, and other provincial credits or tuition rebates!
Q3. Do I need to file taxes as an int'l student in Canada who is not working?
It's not mandatory if you do not work.However,filing taxes is the only way to obtain benefits like GST credits to offset all or part of the tax paid on purchases, child benefit & to claim refunds.
It's not mandatory if you do not work.However,filing taxes is the only way to obtain benefits like GST credits to offset all or part of the tax paid on purchases, child benefit & to claim refunds.
Q4. I am a graduate student working as a research assistant and a teaching assistant on campus. What documents do I need to provide for tax purposes?
You will get a T4A slip from the university.
You will get a T4A slip from the university.
Q5: I am an int'l student working part-time outside campus. What do I need to file my taxes?
You will get a T4 from your employer.
You will get a T4 from your employer.
Q6: Can I file income taxes together with my spouse who is working full time?
Married or common-law couples can file tax returns together. Your spouse may be able to claim you as a dependent and/or claim your tuition as a tax credit to reduce their taxes payable up to $5000.
Married or common-law couples can file tax returns together. Your spouse may be able to claim you as a dependent and/or claim your tuition as a tax credit to reduce their taxes payable up to $5000.
Q7: I have children. What do I need to provide for tax purposes?
No specific documentation is required to claim dependents for tax purposes. However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may ask later for immigration documents and birth certificates.
No specific documentation is required to claim dependents for tax purposes. However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may ask later for immigration documents and birth certificates.
Q8. What are the different ways to file taxes?
You can file taxes yourself using paper forms or online software. Paper forms can be downloaded or can be found at postal offices. Canada Revenue Agency has a list of recommended tax software (free and paid)-
canada.ca
You can file taxes yourself using paper forms or online software. Paper forms can be downloaded or can be found at postal offices. Canada Revenue Agency has a list of recommended tax software (free and paid)-
canada.ca
You can also hire an accountant to file your taxes for you. Many schools offer free training and workshop to help students file their taxes each year. Check with your school to see available resources.
Q9. I didn't file my income taxes in previous years. Can I file taxes for past years now?
Yes. Past years’ tax returns can be filed in the same manner as the current year
Yes. Past years’ tax returns can be filed in the same manner as the current year
Q10. Do I have to pay taxes on income I received from my home country?
If you are resident in Canada you would be taxed on worldwide income. However, taxes already paid in another country may be deductible against taxes to be paid in Canada.
If you are resident in Canada you would be taxed on worldwide income. However, taxes already paid in another country may be deductible against taxes to be paid in Canada.
Q11: What documents do I need to file taxes in Canada?
You will need the following documents:
•Social Insurance Number (SIN) or, if you're not eligible for a SIN, your Individual Tax Number (ITN). To receive an ITN, you must complete Form T1261
You will need the following documents:
•Social Insurance Number (SIN) or, if you're not eligible for a SIN, your Individual Tax Number (ITN). To receive an ITN, you must complete Form T1261
•Income tax slips like T4 or T4A (for scholarships, awards, GRS, and bursaries). If you worked for the university, you can access your T4 from Workday, which is also where you get your T4A.
•Interest tax slips like a T3 or T5 from financial institutions. Contact your financial institution for a copy if applicable
•Tuition receipt T2202A. This identifies the number of months you attended university and the tuition you paid
•You may have other information slips, receipts, or amounts you can indicate on your income tax return
•You may have other information slips, receipts, or amounts you can indicate on your income tax return
•Donation receipts if you made a donation to a Canadian charity like church offerings, etc
•Medical receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
•Medical receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Q12: How do I get info from CRA?
Once you've filed at least one income tax return, received one notice of assessment, & have a valid Social Insurance Number, you can create a MyAccount on the CRA website.Your account allows you to receive letters from the CRA electronically,
Once you've filed at least one income tax return, received one notice of assessment, & have a valid Social Insurance Number, you can create a MyAccount on the CRA website.Your account allows you to receive letters from the CRA electronically,
set up direct electronic bank deposits for any refunds or benefits you may receive, and keep your personal information, address, and banking information up-to-date with CRA.
Q13. When is the best time to file my tax?
The tax year runs from January to December each year & the deadline to file an income tax return is April 30 of the year after. If you miss the deadline, you can still file a late income tax return.
The tax year runs from January to December each year & the deadline to file an income tax return is April 30 of the year after. If you miss the deadline, you can still file a late income tax return.
However, there could be daily interest charges and a late penalty if you owe the gov't any taxes.
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