Maple News reports that newcomers filing taxes in Canada for the first time can now benefit from professional guidance, thanks to a newly released webinar that explains the essentials of tax filing for immigrants. Filing taxes is not only a legal responsibility but also a gateway to accessing important government benefits and credits—making it a foundational step in settling into Canadian life.
The webinar covers vital topics like determining residency status for tax purposes, understanding income requirements, common deductions and credits, and how to avoid frequent errors when filing your return. For many newcomers unfamiliar with the Canadian tax system, this information helps demystify complex processes and clarifies legal obligations.
One of the key takeaways for new arrivals is that even if your income is low or non-existent during your first year in Canada, you are still encouraged to file a return. Doing so allows you to claim tax credits such as the GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit, both of which can significantly support financial integration.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers several services that can help, including multilingual support, tax clinics, and online toolkits designed specifically for newcomers. The webinar also guides viewers in using the CRA My Account portal—an essential resource for tracking tax documents, returns, and benefit payments.
In addition to federal taxes, the webinar touches on the importance of understanding provincial tax differences. Each province may offer different credits or have distinct income tax rates, so being informed based on your location is crucial.
Another important aspect covered is how to report foreign income and assets, a requirement that many immigrants may overlook. Transparency in this area ensures compliance and avoids penalties.
Maple News encourages all new permanent residents, international students, and work permit holders to watch the full recording. Hosted by tax experts, it delivers insights in plain language and is particularly useful in this tax season.
As tax laws and processes evolve, staying informed can help newcomers make smarter financial decisions and build a more confident future in Canada.