Newcomers · Guide
New to Canada? Why filing matters even with little income
A tax return also helps the CRA check continued eligibility for benefits and credits.
More than a tax payment
Eligible newcomers may qualify for some benefit payments before filing their first return. To keep receiving payments, you and your spouse or common-law partner generally need to file each year, even with little or no income.
Start with your residency date
Tax residency is not simply the same as citizenship or immigration status. Establish when you became a resident for tax purposes and gather your income records.
Your next step
Read the CRA newcomer checklist and benefit eligibility rules before applying. Some benefits need a separate application. The source covers the 2026 filing season; check the deadline for the return you are actually filing.