Who Should File Income Tax Return in Canada? (2024)

Posted on 14 February 2022 | by Consolidated Credit Canada (5 minutes read )

It’s official – tax season is upon Canadians! The benefits of living in Canada are all the available resources and shared services. These are only possible because of the taxation system which redistributes wealth. If you’re wondering if you’re required to file your taxes in 2021, continue reading below.

What is income tax?

Income tax is money paid to the government on income earned. In Canada, income tax is payable to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). A tax year is always January 1 to December 31 for individual tax. How much income tax is owed varies from person to person. Some individuals have taxes withheld at the source reducing their bill, while others don’t. Income, employment status, and available deductions are all factors that affect income tax.

What is the minimum income to file taxes in Canada?

Anyone who earned income in a calendar year must file taxes. Technically, there is no minimum income. Even if you didn’t earn anything, it’s best practice to complete a tax return annually.

With that said, your tax payable will vary based on how much you earned. Canada has a tiered taxation system. This means the more you earn, the more taxes you pay. Below are the federal tax brackets for 2022:

15% on the first $50,197 of taxable income

20.5% on the next $50,195 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $50,197 and $100,392)

26% on the next $55,233 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $100,392 and $155,625)

29% on the next $66,083 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $155,625 and $221,708)

33% of taxable income over $221,708

The provinces and territories have their own personalized tax brackets as well. In addition to federal taxes, you owe provincial or territorial taxes.

Income Tax Bracket Comparison Calculator

Use the calculator below to determine your tax burden (both Federal and Provincial) and see how that compares to a similar income in other provinces.

Enter your total taxable income, your filing year, and your Province

Who has to file an income tax return?

You are required to file an income tax return if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

➢You are earning income, such as employment income, investment or other income, and owe tax to the CRA.

➢You are a resident of Canada. This includes international students or individuals who travelled outside of Canada.

➢You are self-employed and owe Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.

➢Your spouse or common-law partner splits income with you.

➢You’ve utilized the Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP) or Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) and owe repayments.

➢You withdrew money from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) outside of the HBP or LLP.

➢You sold or disposed of capital property, such as a home, vehicle, or other assets. You must file even if you didn’t incur a capital gain.

➢You must repay Old Age Security or Employment Insurance Benefits.

➢You received a financial support benefit from the government, such as social security, Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) or similar.

➢The CRA sent you a Request to File or Demand to File.

What about deceased persons?

When an individual passes away, they must file final tax forms. Usually, a family member or close friend completes the final tax return while processing a will or estate. The rules vary slightly from regular tax returns, including due dates and filing requirements.

At what age do seniors stop paying taxes?

There is no age limit on taxation in Canada, unfortunately. Filing income taxes is a requirement regardless of age. Since many seniors are receiving money from a pension, government support or other retirement sources, they are not exempt from paying taxes.

What if I am not required to file?

Even if you aren’t required to file, it’s best practice to file anyway. The first reason is to have a record that you don’t owe any taxes. If you don’t file your tax return, the CRA may request that you do it later to ensure you don’t owe anything. It’s best to maintain an up-to-date filing status.

Another reason to file is for a potential tax refund and access to other benefits. In some cases, when you don’t owe taxes, you may be eligible for money back. You may also find out that you’re eligible for federal and/or provincial benefit programs. This could be the GST/HST credit, the Ontario Trillium Benefit and many more. If you ever want to claim other benefits, such as the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the CRA requires you to be up to date on your tax returns. Finally, your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution limit calculation uses your income as a base. If you don’t file taxes, you won’t add to your contribution room.

TAXES: Save Money, Solve Problems

Taxes take a big bite out of most Canadian’s budgets. In fact, they are the largest single expense for many of us. According to The Fraser Institute, the average Canadian family (including single Canadians) earned $85,883 in income and paid $37,058 in total taxes in 2017. That’s 43.1 percent of income going to taxes.
To help Canadians understand how much we pay toward taxes, we “celebrate” Tax Freedom Day. This is the date by which Canadians’ average earnings equal their annual federal, provincial and local tax bills. In 2020, it was celebrated on May 19th.

Open Booklet Download PDF

When do you file your return?

Personal income tax return filings and payments are due on April 30, 2022. If you are self-employed, you have until June 15, 2022, to file and pay.

Any contributions made to an RRSP reduce your taxable income by the same amount. If you’d like to take advantage of this, you have until March 1, 2022, to make a contribution and still report the deduction on your 2021 taxes.

The CRA opened NETFILE onFeb 21, 2022.

Filing taxes late

If you file taxes late, you may incur penalties and interest. The CRA will begin charging compound daily interest on May 3, 2022, on your taxes owing. The prescribed interest rates are subject to change every 3 months.

If the CRA requires you to pay tax installments, you must pay the balance owing on the payment date. If you miss a payment, you will incur interest.

In addition to interest, there is also a late filing penalty. For 2021, the late filing penalty is 5% of your balance owing. Plus an additional 1% for every full month you file after the due date, up to a maximum of 12 months. Even if you can’t pay your taxes by the deadline, you should still file to avoid this fine. The late payment penalty on tax installments only applies if your interest charges for 2022 are more than $1,000.

Tax Season and You

Let’s face it – no one likes tax season. It’s stressful to gather all the documentation and figure out how to report income. However, each tax year that passes, the process gets a little easier. If numbers really aren’t your thing, consider hiring a tax professional. The same is true if you have an unusual tax circ*mstance. If you need assistance with managing your tax payable, Consolidated Credit is here to help as well.

Are you struggling with debt and tax payments? Contact our financial experts.

Get help

Who Should File Income Tax Return in Canada? (2024)

FAQs

Who Should File Income Tax Return in Canada? ›

You must file a return if: You owe income tax to the government (e.g., you earn significant income in Canada). You're asked by the CRA to file a return.

Who is to file income tax return in Canada? ›

You must file a return if: You owe income tax to the government (e.g., you earn significant income in Canada). You're asked by the CRA to file a return.

Do all Canadians have to file an income tax return? ›

You have to file a return if you are a resident of Canada for tax purposes and you owe tax or want to receive a refund.

Why should you file a tax return in Canada? ›

1. You owe tax or want to receive a refund. If you are a resident of Canada for part or all of a tax year, you must file a tax return if you owe tax or want to receive a refund. If you owe tax, you should file on time to avoid late fees.

Who must file tax returns? ›

Tax Year 2022 Filing Thresholds by Filing Status
Filing StatusTaxpayer age at the end of 2022A taxpayer must file a return if their gross income was at least:
singleunder 65$12,950
single65 or older$14,700
head of householdunder 65$19,400
head of household65 or older$21,150
6 more rows

When must income tax be filed in Canada? ›

In a normal year, the deadline for most Canadians to file their taxes is April 30 — but this year, that date falls on a Sunday. As a result, you'll have until May 1, 2023, to file your 2022 tax return. There's a later deadline of June 15, 2023, for those with self-employment income to report.

When can you file income tax in Canada? ›

You should file a tax return before the April 30 deadline after the end of the tax year. You'll need your social insurance number and T4 or final payslip to file. While the deadline is April 30, you can file your tax return in February after the end of the tax year.

Does a US resident have to file a Canadian tax return? ›

As a U.S. citizen working and living in Canada, yes, you may also have to file Canadian taxes: Canadian tax residents are taxed on all income, regardless of where it's earned.

Does a Canadian living in the US have to file a tax return? ›

Canadian expats that hold a Green Card or meet the Substantial Presence Test are considered U.S. Resident Aliens by the IRS. For resident aliens, the rules for filing income, estate, and gift tax returns and paying estimated tax are generally the same as for U.S. citizens.

Do Canadian citizens need to file a US tax return? ›

Yes, if you are a citizen or resident alien of the United States, you have a U.S. tax obligation, even if you're a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. is one of two countries in the world that taxes based on citizenship, not place of residency.

What happens if you don't file income tax in Canada? ›

According to the CRA, the penalty for filing a tax return after the due date while there is a balance owing is five per cent of your 2022 balance owing, plus an additional one per cent each full month after the due date before you file, up to a maximum of 12 months.

How does income tax return work in Canada? ›

How does a tax refund work in Canada? Whenever the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) collects more income tax from you than you owe, you'll receive the excess amount back as a refund. Think of it as extra money you didn't know you had just like the $20 bill you found in last year's winter coat!

What is the minimum tax free income in Canada? ›

Tax-free basic personal amounts

For the 2022 tax year, the federal basic personal amount is $14,398 (for taxpayers with a net income of $155,625 or less). This means that an individual Canadian taxpayer can earn up-to $14,398 in 2022 before paying any federal income tax.

Does everyone need to file an income tax return? ›

Most U.S. citizens – and permanent residents who work in the United States – need to file a tax return if they make more than a certain amount for the year. You may want to file even if you make less than that amount, because you may get money back if you file.

Is there a minimum to file taxes? ›

For instance, low-income families may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) federally, and the California EITC on their state tax return. This can pay anywhere from $275 to $6,935. So as long as you earned income, there is no minimum to file taxes in California.

How much can a 70 year old earn without paying taxes? ›

Basically, if you're 65 or older, you have to file a tax return in 2022 if your gross income is $14,700 or higher. If you're married filing jointly and both 65 or older, that amount is $28,700. If you're married filing jointly and only one of you is 65 or older, that amount is $27,300.

How much tax you pay in Canada? ›

The tax rates in Ontario range from 5.05% to 13.16% of income and the combined federal and provincial tax rate is between 20.05% and 53.53%.

Is my US income taxable in Canada? ›

As a non-resident your non-Canadian income will not be taxed in Canada, but it will affect how many non-refundable tax credits you can claim.

How long can a US citizen live in Canada? ›

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. If you're allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.

What is the US Canada income tax treaty? ›

Why the tax treaty between the U.S. and Canada exists. The U.S./Canada tax treaty, in summary, alleviates tax issues for U.S. citizens and residents living in Canada and Canadians living in the U.S. Most countries around the globe, including Canada, have some form of income tax that residents are obligated to pay.

Do Canadian citizens living abroad need to file taxes? ›

Canadians who live or work abroad or who travel a lot may still have to pay Canadian and provincial or territorial income taxes. Visit International and non-resident taxes for information about income tax requirements that may affect you.

Can I be dual citizen of U.S. and Canada? ›

Dual or multiple citizenship is legal in Canada. However, it may not be legal in the other country or countries where you hold citizenship.

What happens if U.S. citizens don't file taxes while living abroad? ›

The only option to avoid submitting a US tax return and paying US taxes abroad under current US tax legislation is to renounce your US citizenship. If US citizens fail to file US taxes while living abroad, they may incur fines, interest charges, or possibly legal repercussions.

What documents does a U.S. citizen need to return from Canada? ›

A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship. Entry into the United States: When traveling by air from Canada, U.S. citizens must present a U.S. passport book or other approved identification document.

Do Canadians living in the U.S. have to pay Canadian taxes? ›

Resident Status

If the CRA establishes your residence status as a Canadian resident, you'll pay income tax on income earned anywhere in the world. Even if you spend some time working outside Canada, you'll still be liable to pay federal and territorial tax.

What is the penalty for not reporting income in Canada? ›

Not reporting income

10% of the amount of unreported income in the year. 50% of the difference between the understated tax payable (and certain overstated refundable tax credits) related to the amount you failed to report and the amount of tax withheld related to the amount you failed to report.

What happens if you file taxes late but don't owe Canada? ›

In Canada, there are no fees or penalties if you file your taxes late – as long as you don't owe anything. The main consequence of filing late when you owe nothing is a delay in receiving any returns you are owed.

What to do if you haven't filed taxes in 10 years? ›

What You Should Do
  1. Determine if the IRS Filed a Substitute Return.
  2. File the Missing Returns.
  3. Seek Assistance From an Experienced Tax Attorney or CPA.
  4. Negotiate the Tax Bill.

Can tourists claim tax back in Canada? ›

Use this form to claim a refund of goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) if: • you are an individual and a non-resident of Canada; and • the total of your eligible purchases, before taxes, is CAN$200 or more.

How much taxes will I get back if I make $40000 a year in Canada? ›

If you make $40,000 a year living in the region of Ontario, Canada, you will be taxed $10,446. That means that your net pay will be $29,554 per year, or $2,463 per month. Your average tax rate is 26.1% and your marginal tax rate is 25.9%.

How much tax do you pay on 30000 salary in Canada? ›

Annual Income Tax by Province/Territory
RegionTotal IncomeTotal Tax
Ontario$30,000.00$4,583.31
Saskatchewan$30,000.00$4,910.50
New Brunswick$30,000.00$5,286.58
Nova Scotia$30,000.00$5,329.42
9 more rows

What is the Canadian income tax rate for non residents? ›

withholding tax rules

The general Canadian non-resident withholding tax rate is 25% which applies to certain Canadian-source income paid or credited to non- residents of Canada.

Which state in Canada is income tax free? ›

The federal government collects personal income taxes on behalf of all provinces and territories. It also collects corporate income taxes on behalf of all provinces and territories except Alberta.

How much income is tax free in Canada for seniors? ›

If you are over 65 years old and your income is below $39,826, you can claim a non-refundable tax credit known as the Age Amount. For the 2022 tax year, the age amount is $7,898.

What happens if you never file for taxes? ›

There's no penalty for failure to file if you're due a refund. However, you risk losing a refund altogether if you file a return or otherwise claim a refund after the statute of limitations has expired.

Do I have to file taxes if I made less than 10000? ›

If you earn less than $10,000 per year, you don't have to file a tax return. However, you won't receive an Earned-Income Tax Credit refund unless you do file.

How to get a $10,000 tax refund? ›

CAEITC
  1. Be 18 or older or have a qualifying child.
  2. Have earned income of at least $1.00 and not more than $30,000.
  3. Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for yourself, your spouse, and any qualifying children.
  4. Living in California for more than half of the tax year.
Feb 13, 2023

How much income is tax free in USA? ›

In 2021, for that same age and filing status, the income threshold was $12,550.

Do I have to file taxes if I made less than $5 000? ›

As long as you don't have a type of income that requires you to file a return for other reasons, like self-employment income, generally you don't need to file a return as long as your income is less than your standard deduction.

Do you have to file taxes if you make less than $20000? ›

Do I Need to File Taxes? Not everyone is required to file or pay taxes. Depending on your age, filing status, and dependents, for the 2022 tax year, the gross income threshold for filing taxes is between $12,550 and $28,500.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxable? ›

Social Security benefits may or may not be taxed after 62, depending in large part on other income earned. Those only receiving Social Security benefits do not have to pay federal income taxes.

Do you have to file taxes if your on Social Security? ›

Some of you have to pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income in addition to your benefits (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return).

Why do some seniors not file taxes? ›

In short, senior citizens are largely subject to the same tax requirements as other adults. There is no age at which you no longer have to submit a tax return and most senior citizens do need to file taxes every year. However if Social Security is your only form of income then it is not taxable.

Can someone else file my taxes for me Canada? ›

If you ask a family member or friend to file your taxes, that is certainly allowed using CloudTax. Ideally, you make a final review of your return and oversee sending it to CRA. If someone prepares over 20 tax returns on behalf of someone else and/or collects payments, they are considered a professional tax preparer.

Who is required to file taxes in Ontario? ›

You Must File an Income Tax Return, if:

You owe tax to the CRA. You are self-employed and have to pay your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) premiums. Same for paying Employment Insurance (EI) premiums on your self-employment earnings. You and your spouse/common-law partner want to split your pension income.

Who handles taxes in Canada? ›

The CRA has over 42,000 employees; approximately 10,000 in headquarters and 32,000 in the regions. Agency programs are delivered through 51 local tax services offices and regional tax centres located in every region of the country.

Who is considered a resident of Canada? ›

You may be considered a factual resident of Canada if you maintain residential ties with Canada and are: working temporarily outside Canada. vacationing outside Canada. commuting (going back and forth daily or weekly) from Canada to your place of work in the United States.

Do Canadian non residents have to file a tax return? ›

As a non-resident of Canada, you pay tax on income you receive from sources in Canada. The type of tax you pay and the requirement to file an income tax return depend on the type of income you receive. Generally, Canadian income received by a non-resident is subject to Part XIII tax or Part I tax.

Do I pay Canadian tax on US income? ›

Taxes Paid in the United States

Because you have a duty to report all your U.S. income on your Canadian return, the income is deemed taxable as Canadian income. The usually lower U.S. income tax rate could leave you with an amount owing for the difference between the United States and Canadian income tax rates.

What income is not taxable in Canada? ›

compensation received from a province or territory if you were a victim of a criminal act or a motor vehicle accident. most amounts received from a life insurance policy following someone's death. most types of strike pay you received from your union, even if you perform picketing duties as a requirement of membership.

Is the IRS used in Canada? ›

Similar to the IRS in the U.S., the CRA is Canada's main federal taxing authority. The goal of the CRA is to contribute to the ongoing economic and social well-being of Canadians.

How are taxes done in Canada? ›

You can file your taxes online or by paper, or find other options such as having someone else complete them for you. Options include: NETFILE-certified tax software (electronic filing) Through a tax preparer using EFILE-certified tax software (electronic filing)

How do taxes work in Canada? ›

In Canada, the amount of money you make in a given tax year determines how much you'll pay in taxes. This is called a graduated, or progressive, tax system. The idea is that people who earn more pay higher taxes; people who earn less pay less.

Can you have dual residency in USA and Canada? ›

As for the "dual citizenship" aspect of this inquiry, there is no separate application procedure by which one must apply for it. If you're already a citizen of either the U.S. or Canada and become a citizen of the other without taking active steps to renounce your original citizenship, you are a dual citizen.

How long can you stay out of Canada if you are a permanent resident? ›

If you haven't been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years, you may lose your PR status.

Do non residents need to file a tax return? ›

Nonresident aliens must file and pay any tax due using Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return.

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