Strategies to save Canadian tax as a new immigrant discussed

It’s that time of year again for filing your Canadian Personal Tax Return. As you know, the due date for filing your 2014 tax return is April 30, 2015.

To maximize your tax refund this year, claim these new tax credits for the year 2014 year:

1. The Family Tax Cut. If you are married or in a common-law relationship, and have children under 18 years old, then you are eligible for the Family Tax Cut. This new credit allows the higher-income earning spouse to transfer up to $50,000 of his/or income to the lower-income earning spouse. By doing so, your family will pay fewer taxes overall, because the lower-income earning spouse is taxed at a lower rate. The maximum tax credit allowable under the Family Tax Cut is $2,000.

2. Universal Child Care Benefit. While this benefit has been around for a number of years, the benefit amount has increased starting January 1, 2015. The benefit amount is now $160 per month for each child under the age of 6, which is up from $100 / month. For children between 6 and 17 years of age, the benefit amount is now $60 per month, wherein previous years no benefit was paid for children in this age group.

3. Adoption Expenses. The maximum amount that you can claim for eligible adoption expenses has increased from $10,000 to $15,000 for the 2014 tax year.

4. GST/HST Tax Credit. In previous years, you had to apply for the GST/HST credit. However, starting in 2014, your credit amount for the GST/HST credit will be automatically assessed when you file your 2014 tax returns. That’s one more reason for you to file your taxes this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ALLAN MADAN

CPA, CA

Allan Madan is a CPA, CA and the founder of Madan Chartered Accountant Professional Corporation. Allan provides valuable tax planning, accounting and income tax preparation services in the Greater Toronto Area.

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