Key tax deadlines, changes and free clinics in Ontario | News

Struggling to file your taxes on time with all the information and documents you need?

Here are some key dates, changes and assistance programs that will help you take the stress out of what many people consider to be the most dreaded time of year and ensure you don't miss out on the benefits and credits you can claim.

DEADLINES

Most Canadians have until April 30 to file their tax returns, which is the deadline for those who owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Self-employed Canadians with their spouses or common-law partners have until June 15. Because this date falls on a weekend, the CRA will consider the return timely if the return is received after the return is filed or filed before it. June 17.

Self-employed Canadians have until April 30 to pay the money owed to the CRA to avoid paying interest.

CHANGES

There are a number of changes this tax season.

Home office expenses

The temporary flat rate method of claiming employee home office expenses such as rent, electricity, internet and office supplies is no longer available.

From 2020 through 2022, eligible employees can claim $2 for each day they work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, up to an annual maximum of $400 in 2020 and $500 in 2021 and 2022.

For 2023 and future years, employees must use the CRA's detailed method to file these requirements, including the employer's completed Form T2200, Declaration of Employment Conditions.

According to the CRA website, employees who are forced to work from home are generally entitled to home office expenses that are directly related to their work. They must meet conditions such as working from home more than 50 percent of the time for at least four weeks a year. Employer-paid home office expenses are excluded.

Tax credit for multi-family home renovations

A refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 has been introduced to provide tax relief to Canadians who renovate their home to accommodate a qualifying person, such as a parent over 65. This new credit allows taxpayers to deduct 15 percent of qualifying expenses for qualified repairs made on or after January 1, 2023, up to a maximum of $50,000 for each qualifying renewal completed in a year. There is a $50,000 lifetime limit.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

The FHSA was introduced to help Canadians save for their first home purchase. Contributions are tax-deductible and income earned within a registered plan on qualified investments is tax-free. Beginning April 1, 2023, FHSA contributions can be made up to $8,000 annually, up to a lifetime maximum of $40,000. Qualified withdrawals from the plan are tax-free.

CREDITS/DISCOUNTS are no longer available

The Ontario Seniors Home Security Tax Credit is not available for tax years 2023 and beyond.

The Ontario Jobs Tax Credit is not available for tax years 2023 and beyond.

The Ontario Residence Tax Credit is not available for tax years 2023 and later.

FREE TAX CLINICS

Need help with your tax return?

If you have a modest income and a modest tax situation, you may be eligible for help at a free tax clinic.

This may include:

• Adults over 65 years of age
• persons without housing
• Local peoples
• middle income people
• newcomers
• disabled people
• students and young people

Tax declarations are prepared by volunteers free of charge. They are accepted by community organizations in Canada through the Community Voluntary Income Tax Program. Must bring tax receipts and receipts.

There are different types of free tax clinics.

• Walk-in: Clinic where your tax return will be completed during advertised hours on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment necessary.
• Dropoff: A clinic where your income tax documents are dropped off during advertised hours. A volunteer will complete your tax return and you will receive it later. You will need to verify your identity when you receive your tax return and documents.
• By appointment: a clinic where an appointment is required to file a tax return. Appointments can be in-person (a volunteer will prepare your tax return at a scheduled time) or virtual (a volunteer will prepare your tax return at a scheduled time via video conference or telephone).

FIND A CLINIC

Check the CRA directory to find a clinic.