Canada Tax Filing Checklist: What Students, Newcomers & Seniors Need to Prepare

Filing taxes is a yearly responsibility for all Canadian residents—whether you're an international student, a recent immigrant, or a senior citizen. However, each group has different requirements, benefits, and document needs when it comes to tax filing.

This guide provides a clear, organized checklist for each group:
✔️ Students
✔️ Newcomers to Canada
✔️ Seniors (65+ years old)
Along with tips to help you avoid missing out on benefits or making costly mistakes.

1. Tax Filing for Students in Canada

📌 Who qualifies as a “student” for tax purposes?

• Enrolled full-time or part-time at a Canadian educational institution

• May or may not have income

• Must have a SIN (Social Insurance Number) or ITN (Individual Tax Number)

👉 Even if you have no income, it’s beneficial to file your taxes to receive credits like the GST/HST rebate or Ontario Trillium Benefit.

📋 Student Tax Checklist:

• SIN or ITN

• T2202 (tuition tax form from your school)

• T4 (if you worked part-time or in a co-op)

• Rent receipts (for rent credit, varies by province)

• Bank account info (for direct deposit of refunds/benefits)

💡 Special Notes:

• You may transfer tuition credits to your parents if under 26 and financially dependent.

• Use free software like SimpleTax or Wealthsimple Tax.

• If you paid tax on part-time work but earned little, you may get a refund.

2. Tax Filing for Newcomers to Canada

📌 Who is considered a “newcomer”?

Individuals who recently arrived in Canada as permanent residents, refugees, workers with valid work permits, or international students.

You're considered a resident for tax purposes from the date you arrive—and must report Canadian-sourced income from that point onward.

📋 Newcomer Tax Checklist:

• SIN

• Exact date of entry into Canada (CRA uses this to calculate reportable income)

• T4, T4A, T5, or any income slips earned in Canada

• Info on foreign income (if applicable)

• Rent receipts

• Medical or tuition receipts (if any)

• Child info: names, SINs (if available), daycare or school fees

💡 Special Notes:

• You don’t need to report foreign income earned before arrival.

• CRA may require Form RC66 (for child benefits) or RC151 (for low-income credits).

• File early to avoid delays in provincial health coverage (e.g., BC MSP or Ontario Health Card).

3. Tax Filing for Seniors (Age 65+)

📌 What’s unique about senior tax filing?

Seniors may receive pension income through CPP, OAS, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, and may qualify for additional tax credits like Age Amount, Pension Income Amount, and GIS if income is low.

📋 Senior Tax Checklist:

• SIN

• T4A(OAS) – Old Age Security income

• T4A(P) – Canada Pension Plan

• T4RSP/T4RIF – RRSP/RRIF withdrawals

• T3/T5 – for dividends, capital gains, or other investment income

• Medical and health insurance receipts

• Living situation declaration (affects GIS eligibility)

💡 Special Notes:

• If income is below a certain threshold, Volunteer Tax Clinics may help seniors file taxes for free.

• Consider income splitting with a spouse to reduce tax.

• Be cautious when withdrawing from RRSPs—withdrawals are taxed as regular income.

Common Reminders for All Taxpayers

• Personal tax deadline: April 30 every year

• Self-employed individuals: file by June 15, but must pay by April 30 if taxes are owed

• Filing early helps avoid delays in credits like GST/HST, Canada Child Benefit, or Trillium Benefit

• File online via NETFILE or mail in a paper return

Should You Use Software or Hire a Professional?

Tax filing in Canada is now easier thanks to free software like SimpleTax and Wealthsimple Tax, or professional tax preparers. Which route to take depends on your situation:

• No income or simple income? Free software is perfect and easy to use.

• Have Canadian income? You can still use software or consult a tax pro if you want peace of mind or to maximize your refund.

• Foreign income or investments? Seek a professional with cross-border experience.

• Senior with GIS/OAS? A small mistake could reduce your benefits—get support to file properly.

Final Thoughts

Tax filing isn’t just a legal duty—it’s a chance to legally maximize your financial benefits through refunds, credits, and future tax savings.

Each group—student, newcomer, or senior—has unique checklists and considerations. Start with the right documents, file on time, and you’ll save time, money, and stress.

📩 Need help filing taxes in Canada?
TikiTax specializes in helping students, newcomers, and seniors file correctly—legally—and optimize your tax benefits. Contact us for a free consultation!