If you are 18 years of age or older it is your responsibility to file a personal tax return. Crowe MacKay’s tax specialists review what you need to be aware of when filing your T1 tax return and how COVID-19 supports that you received may impact your 2022 taxes.
Tax Filing Deadline in Canada
As of the date of this article, the CRA has not extended the filing deadline for personal tax returns. Ensure you file your T1 by April 30, 2023, to avoid any late filing penalties and interest.
Even if you earned little or no income in the year, you should consider filing your T1 tax return. Doing so will ensure you are eligible for various credits, such as the quarterly GST/HST credit and related provincial/territorial programs.
Student Tax Return
If you attended post-secondary school, you can claim tuition credits against your income in the year, or carry forward unused credits to claim when you start earning income.
You also may be able to claim a tax deduction for interest paid on student loans.
Moving Expenses
Did you know some of your moving costs may be tax-deductable?
If you moved at least 40 kilometres to be closer to your work or post-secondary institution (and are studying full-time), you may be able to claim a portion of your moving expenses. If you moved to attend a post-secondary institution, the moving expenses can only be deducted against taxable income from scholarships, awards, bursaries, grants, etc. If you moved for work, the moving expenses can only be deducted against employment or self-employment income earned at your new location.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Your Taxes
Since 2021, both the Federal and Provincial/Territorial governments provided a variety of economic support programs for individuals. Many of these are considered taxable income and must be claimed on your T1 return. The following are COVID-19 benefits you may have received:
If you did receive any of these benefits, you will receive a T4A and/or a T4E to report this income on your T1.
The CRB, CRSB, CRCB, and CWLB all had taxes withheld at the source but don’t be surprised! You may have a larger balance owing on your first-time tax return than expected due to these benefits having little withholding when they were distributed.
Claiming Home Office Expenses
If you worked from home during 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be able to claim your home office expenses under either the flat rate method or the detailed method.
To claim home office expenses for employees under the detailed method, your employer must provide a Form T2200S or T2200.
Learn more on claiming your home office expenses and what method is right for you here.
You should consult with your professional Crowe MacKay advisor before implementing any of the suggestions in this article.
If you are looking for Tax Services, Crowe MacKay provides personalized support. Our tax professionals will help you maximize tax-planning opportunities and ensure the minimum amount required by law is paid.
