Your first Canadian tax return, explained.
Moving to Canada comes with a lot of paperwork. We help newcomers in Ottawa file their first return correctly and understand the benefits they may be entitled to.
File every year, even with no income.
The CRA uses your tax return to calculate benefit and credit payments, such as the GST/HST credit, the Canada Child Benefit and the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
According to the CRA, you and your spouse or common-law partner need to file your tax return on time every year, even if you have no income, to keep receiving these payments.
Five things newcomers should know.
- Your residency status mattersTax residency can differ from immigration status, and it affects which benefits you can receive.
- Your arrival date sets your first-year incomeIn the year you arrive, you generally report income from the date you became a resident of Canada.
- Apply for benefitsUse form RC151 for the GST/HST credit (also available online if you have no children), or RC66 with RC66SCH if you have children in your care.
- Have your Social Insurance Number readyYou will need it to file your return.
- E-file with direct depositThe CRA says this is the fastest way to get a refund.
Three steps to your first return.
Tell us your story
Your arrival date, family situation and any income in Canada or abroad.
We review your situation
We explain what to report and which benefits may apply to you.
We prepare and e-file
Your return is filed electronically with the CRA, on time.
General information only, based on CRA guidance. Every situation is different, so we will confirm the details that apply to you.
Newcomer tax FAQ.
Do I need to file a tax return if I had no income?
If you want to receive benefit and credit payments, yes. The CRA uses your return to calculate payments such as the GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit, and says you and your spouse or common-law partner need to file on time every year, even if you have no income.
What income do I report on my first Canadian return?
In the year you arrive, you generally report your income from the date you became a resident of Canada. According to the CRA, income from before you arrived is reported on your benefit application (form RC151 or RC66SCH), and you will not pay extra tax on it.
How do newcomers apply for the GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit?
The CRA has a few options. Without children, you can apply for the GST/HST credit with form RC151, which is also available as an online form. With children in your care, use form RC66 (with RC66SCH) to apply for the Canada Child Benefit and related programs. Only one application per household is needed.
When is the tax filing deadline?
For most people, the deadline to file and pay is April 30. If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you have until June 15 to file, but any balance owing is still due April 30. For the 2026 tax year, that means April 30, 2027 and June 15, 2027. When a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Welcome to Canada.
Book a free call and we will help you start on the right foot.