Every dollar counts

Even things we don’t love can have benefits. Like doing your taxes.

There are many benefits, credits, and programs available when you do your taxes. You may need to apply for certain benefits and credits, while others you can claim when you do your taxes. You have until April 30 each year to do your taxes, even if you have no income, to continue getting your benefit payments. Find more information on some benefits, credits and programs below.

Canada child benefit (CCB)

Provides monthly tax-free money. Eligible families can get up to $7,787 per year for each child under 6 and up to $6,570 per year, for each child aged 6 to 17. You need to apply for the CCB then do your taxes on time every year to continue getting the payments you are entitled to receive.

In addition: If you are eligible for the CCB, you could be eligible for certain benefits that the CRA administers on behalf of the provinces and territories.

Payments from the provinces and territories related to the CCB

Disability tax credit (DTC)

Provides a tax credit for people with impairments, or their supporting family member, that lowers the amount of income tax they may owe when they do their taxes every year. Eligible individuals can claim up to $9,428, with an additional $5,500 for those under 18. You need to apply for the DTC and once approved, you can claim it when doing your taxes.

In addition: DTC eligibility may help you access other federal, provincial, or territorial programs.

Federal, provincial, or territorial programs related to the DTC

GST/HST credit

Provides four tax-free payments per year. If entitled, single individuals can get up to $519 per year. A couple with two children could get up to $1,038 per year. You need to do your taxes every year to continue getting the payments you are entitled to receive. New residents of Canada must complete one of two forms to apply for the GST/HST credit.

In addition: If you are eligible for the GST/HST credit, you could also be eligible for certain benefits that the CRA administers on behalf of the provinces and territories.

Payments from the provinces and territories related to the GST/HST credit

Canada workers benefit (CWB)

Provides an amount that helps those working and earning a low income to reduce any taxes owed and can result in a tax refund. You can claim the CWB when you do your taxes.

If you are entitled to receive the CWB, you will get up to 50% of your CWB in advanced payments under what is referred to as the Advanced Canada workers benefit (ACWB). The ACWB is issued across three quarterly payments in July, October and January.

Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)

(formerly known as Climate action incentive payment)

Provides a tax-free quarterly payment for residents of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island to offset the cost of the federal pollution pricing. You need to do your taxes every year to continue getting the payments you are entitled to receive.

Free tax clinics

Provides free tax help by a volunteer to those with a modest income and a simple tax situation.

Find out what else you could qualify for

Tax credits and benefits for individuals

Payment dates, Canada child benefit, GST/HST credit, disability tax credit, Canada workers benefit, and other benefits and credits.

Housing programs

Learn about programs that can help with buying or renovating a home.

Canada Dental Benefit

The interim Canada Dental Benefit gives eligible families up-front, direct payments of up to $650 a year per eligible child under 12 for two years (up to $1,300) to support the costs of dental care services. Applications are open until June 30, 2024.

Benefits Finder

Use this tool to find Benefits and Services that you may be eligible to receive, including from federal, provincial or territorial governments.

Understand how taxes work

Learn about your taxes

Doing your taxes is easier than you think. The Learn about your taxes step-by-step guide can help you get started. Learn about tax slips, benefits, credits, deductions, and how to do your taxes. 

Doing your taxes

Get ready to do your taxes

Find out what's new for 2023, key filing and payment dates, what to report and claim, and ways to file your taxes (including free software).

All deductions, credits, and expenses

Find out which deductions, credits, and expenses you can claim to reduce the amount of tax you need to pay.

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