Canadian Taxes

In Canada all residents must pay tax to the Canadian Revenue Agency. As an international student you will still have to file taxes as you have established (temporary) residence in the province. If you worked in Canada in any tax year (1January to 31 December) you will have to pay income tax.

Why should I file my taxes?

As an international student you have established certain residential ties because you have been living in the country. You establish these ties through things like your bank account or your bills (eg phone bill). Similarly if you work while you are in Canada your salary will be taxed. As a student, in most cases, you do not pay income tax. Any income tax that was deducted from your pay cheques should be returned to your through GST credit. When you file your taxes you register to have this GST credited back to you. You also do not need to pay taxes on any scholarships or bursaries.

Also, while you are studying in Canada you earn more tax credits because you pay tuition fees. These credits will lessen the amount of tax you pay when you eventually start working after graduation.

When and where do I file my taxes?

At Mount Allison the International Centre organizes tax workshops for international students starting from March until the end of April. You must attend one of these tax sessions so that you can receive help with filing your taxes.

What should I bring to the tax workshops?

When you come to the tax sessions you should bring:

*Note: You may not have all of these forms
• Your Individual Tax Number (ITN)
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you work
• Your passport and study permit
• Your work permit
• Your T 2202A (available from your Connect account)
• Your T4 form from your employer if you worked in the past year
• Your T4A if you received a scholarship (available from your Connect account)
• Your T5 form if you accrue interest on a bank account
• Any medical receipts/expenses that you paid
• Any donation or charitable receipts

To find out more information about filing taxes in Canada please look at the CRA website.

Please click here for the 2013 Tax Filing Guide

Tax Session Sign-up (Please do not fill out the fields below. You must sign up in the International Centre)