The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is here to help you through tax season. Here are some helpful hints for seniors when filing your tax returns.
There are credits, benefits, and deductions you might be entitled to. Some of these are:
- Age amount: If you were 65 years old or older on December 31, 2011, and your net income was less than $76,541, you might be able to claim this non-refundable tax credit.
- Pension income amount: If you reported eligible pension, superannuation, or annuity payments on your return, you might be able to claim this non-refundable tax credit.
- Pension income splitting: If you and your spouse or common-law partner split your pension income by completing Form T1032, Joint Election to Split Pension Income, you (the pensioner) can claim a deduction for the elected split-pension amount.
- Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP): Deductible RRSP contributions may be used to reduce your tax.
- Goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit: Low- and modest-income individuals and families may apply for this quarterly payment by completing the application on the first page of their 2011 income tax and benefit return.
- Disability tax credit: If you had a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions in 2011 and meet certain conditions, you might be able to claim this non-refundable tax credit.
- Public transit tax credit: Did you use public transport in 2011? You might be able to claim the cost of your eligible transit passes or electronic payment cards as a non-refundable tax credit.
Other credits, deductions, and benefits might be available to you. For more information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/seniors.
If you receive income that has no tax withheld or does not have enough tax withheld for more than one year, you might have to pay tax by instalments. This can happen if you receive rental, investment, or self-employment income, certain pension payments, or income from more than one job. For more information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/instalments.
With the CRA’s online services, you can file your return, track your refund, and change your personal information. You can also sign up for direct deposit to receive your refund directly into your account at your Canadian financial institution – no more waiting for cheques to arrive in the mail. It’s fast, easy, and secure. For more information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/getready.
If you have a simple tax situation you might be able to take advantage of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and have a trained volunteer help you complete your 2011 income tax and benefit return. For more information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer or call 1‑800‑959‑8281.
If you have a visual impairment, you can get our publications in braille, large print, etext (CD or diskette), or MP3 by going to www.cra.gc.ca/alternate or by calling 1‑800‑959‑2221. You can also get your personalized correspondence in one of these formats by calling 1‑800‑959‑8281.
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