Tax Information for International Students
International students in Canada may have to file taxes, even if they have no income. Filing taxes can help you access benefits and credits available in Canada. The taxation year is based on the calendar year of January 1 to December 31 and the deadline to file returns is April 30 of the year after. You must determine your residency status to know how you will be taxed in Canada.
Essential Tax Documents
Before filing, ensure you have the following documents:
- T4: employment income and payroll deduction, if you worked in Canada
- T4A: scholarship, fellowship, and bursary income, or payments from a registered education savings plan
- T5: investment income such as interest from bank accounts
- T2202A: This identifies the number of months you attended university and the tuition you paid. Learn how to access the T2202 certificate.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) or if you are not eligible for SIN, Individual Tax Number (ITN)
Get HELP Filing Your Taxes
Free Tax Clinics
March 3 – 21, Weekdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | SUB - Alumni Room
This year Graduate Planning and U of A Accounting Club, UAAC is offering a free tax clinic for students on campus. Bring your Government-issued ID, Social Insurance Number (SIN), T4 statements & T4A (if applicable), T2202A, prior year's Notice of Assessment, and any other tax documents.
You can get your taxes done at free tax clinics in Alberta through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and have a volunteer complete your income tax return for free.
Online Free or Paid Software
Many tax software programs, such as UFile, TurboTax, and Wealthsimple, support students. The CRA website has a list of tax preparation software that you can use.
CRA Tax information session | March 6 & 11 | Online
Are you ready for tax season? Join us for a free CRA Tax Information Session for international students! Learn about income tax basic concepts, how to file your taxes in Canada, what benefits and taxes you may qualify for, and common tax filing mistakes to avoid. Bring your questions - CRA representatives will be there to help!
Thursday, March 6 | 10:30 a.m. | Register here
Tuesday, March 11 | 3 p.m. | Register here
Tax benefits for residents
GST/HST Credit
The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset the GST or HST that they pay. You can then apply for the GST/HST credit when you file your income tax return each year.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under 18 years old. To be eligible to receive the CCB, you have to live with the child and be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes. Other conditions may apply.
Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
The Canada Carbon Rebate is a tax-free amount to help eligible individuals and families offset the cost of federal pollution pricing. It consists of a basic amount and a supplement for residents of small and rural communities.