Look for information on upcoming Income Tax Info Sessions in the “Booking and Documentation” section.
“If you are an international student studying in Canada, you may have to file a Canadian income tax return. You must determine your residency status to know how you will be taxed in Canada.” – Canada Revenue Agency
You may have heard from a friend, family member, or fellow student about filing an income tax return in Canada. We strongly encourage you to educate yourself about Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements and your responsibilities with respect to filing an income tax return:
- Canadian income tax system overview for international students
- Determine your residency status for income tax purposes
Even if you did not earn income or owe income tax, you may benefit from filing your application with the CRA because you may get a refund, a GST/HST credit, or receive child tax credits or subsidies.
You may be eligible for the GST/HST credit after your arrival in Canada and can apply prior to filing your income tax return.
Another major benefit of filing an income tax return even if you did not earn any income is that you can carry forward your tuition credits to reduce your future income tax owed that can benefit you when you may earn more income later on e.g. after graduation.
You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you want to file an income tax return in Canada. See our Social Insurance Number clinics to find out how to get a SIN.
The Centre for International Experience (CIE) offers supportive programming to help along the way. Sign up for an information session or webinar below under Booking & Documentation or speak with an international transition advisor to learn what you initially need to know in order to file with the Canadian tax system.
The CIE does not offer one-on-one individual income tax filing support. Get help filing your taxes for free on campus at a UTSU tax clinic appointment, or off campus at a free community tax clinic.
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Service Eligibility
U of T undergraduate and graduate international students
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Service Delivery
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is hosting live webinars for international students. Join us to learn about the Canadian income tax system, your responsibilities as an international student, what tax credits, refunds or benefits you might be eligible for, and how income taxes are filed in Canada.
Staff from the Canada Revenue Agency will discuss the process and answer general questions. Please note that CRA staff cannot provide individual tax advice during this session.Register under Booking & Documentation.
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Booking & Documentation
Register for an upcoming income tax information webinar on the CLNx at the links below:
Once you register on CLNx, you will receive an email with information on how to join the session.