Newcomer Tax Guide

Welcome to Canada! Tax Guide for Newcomers

New to Canada? We'll help you understand your tax obligations and ensure you don't miss out on valuable benefits and credits.

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Important for Newcomers

Filing a tax return is essential to access government benefits like the GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit, even if you had no Canadian income.

Key Topics for Newcomers

Understanding these key areas will help you navigate your first Canadian tax return.

Residency Start Date

Determine when your Canadian tax obligations begin

Foreign Income

Report worldwide income earned before and after arrival

Tax Treaties

Understand how tax treaties may affect your situation

Benefits & Credits

Access GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and more

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to file my first Canadian tax return?

You need to file a tax return for the year you became a Canadian resident, even if you arrived late in the year. The deadline is April 30th of the following year.

Do I report income earned before I came to Canada?

Generally, you only report Canadian income for the period before you became a resident. After becoming a resident, you report worldwide income.

What benefits am I eligible for as a newcomer?

You may be eligible for the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit (if you have children), and provincial benefits. Filing a tax return is required to access these.

Ready to File Your First Canadian Tax Return?

Our guided process is designed with newcomers in mind. We'll ask the right questions and help you understand each step.

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