Filing your T1 Ontario tax return as a newcomer to Canada can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in a different language!
When I first started helping new immigrants with their Ontario T1 returns, I met Sarah, who had arrived from the Philippines six months earlier.
She brought in a folder stuffed with every receipt she’d collected since landing – from grocery bills to bus tickets – unsure which ones she actually needed for her T1 Ontario filing.
“I’ve never even heard of a T1 before coming to Canada,” she told me, her voice filled with worry.
That’s the thing about the T1 Ontario system – it’s completely different from what most newcomers have experienced in their home countries.
After helping hundreds of new Canadians navigate their first tax returns, I’ve learned that understanding your T1 Ontario obligations doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Whether you arrived in January 2024, I’ll break down exactly what you need to know about filing your T1 Ontario return – from must-have documents to special newcomer benefits you won’t want to miss.
Think of this guide as your roadmap to the Ontario tax system.
We’ll cover everything from basic T1 requirements to maximizing your refund through Ontario-specific credits and deductions designed especially for newcomers.
Even if you haven’t earned any income since arriving, filing your T1 Ontario return could put money in your pocket through various benefit programs.
Let’s turn what seems like a daunting task into a straightforward process that helps you start your new life in Ontario on the right financial footing!
Your First Steps in the Canadian Tax System
When Do You Need to File?
Let’s start with the basics. You need to file a T1 return for 2024 if:
- You arrived in Canada at any point during 2024
- You earned any income in Canada after arriving
- You want to claim tax credits and benefits (even with no income!)
- You have a spouse or dependent children
- You want to start building your RRSP contribution room
The deadline is April 30, 2025, regardless of when you arrived in 2024.
Don’t worry though – if you’re just starting out and don’t owe any tax, there’s no penalty for filing late. But filing on time means you can start receiving benefits sooner!
Understanding Your Residency Status
This is crucial! Your tax obligations depend on your status:
Newcomer Residents (Most Common)
- Permanent Residents
- Work Permit holders staying 183+ days
- International Students
- Protected Persons/Refugees
You’ll file as a “Newcomer Resident” if you established residential ties to Canada (got a home, brought family, started work/school). You only report income earned AFTER arriving in Canada.
Deemed Residents
- Here temporarily but stayed 183+ days in 2024
- Report worldwide income for the whole year
- Special rules apply – consider talking to a tax specialist
Part-Year Residents
- Arrived partway through 2024
- Only report Canadian income plus worldwide income earned after arriving
- Most credits and deductions are pro-rated based on time in Canada
Essential Documents You Need
Immigration Documents
First, gather these crucial papers:
- Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence showing your arrival date
- Permanent Resident Card (if you have one)
- Work/Study Permit (for temporary residents)
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) letter or card
- Passport showing entry stamps
Income Documents
Collect ALL of these if you have them:
- T4 slips from any Canadian employers
- T4A slips for other income (scholarships, grants)
- T3/T5 slips for any investment income
- Rental income records
- Self-employment income records
- Foreign income documents for income earned after arriving
Expense Documents
Keep these for tax deductions:
- Rent receipts (for Ontario Trillium Benefit)
- Moving expenses receipts (if you moved for work)
- Child care receipts
- Transit passes (if disabled or 65+)
- Medical expenses
- Charitable donations
- Work-from-home expense documents
- Educational expenses
Newcomer Benefits You Can’t Miss
Ontario-Specific Benefits
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
- Combines three credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
- Worth up to $1,500+ annually
- Must apply even with no income
- Payment starts about 8 weeks after filing
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit
- Up to 75% of eligible child care expenses
- Higher rates for lower-income families
- Must have receipts from licensed providers
- Available even if spouse is outside Canada
Federal Benefits for Newcomers
GST/HST Credit
- Quarterly payments
- Up to $496 annually for singles
- Up to $957 for couples
- Extra $250 per child under 19
- Automatic consideration when you file
Canada Child Benefit
- Monthly payments for children under 18
- Up to $7,437 per child under 6
- Up to $6,275 per child 6-17
- Adjusted based on income
- Must apply separately using Form RC66
Climate Action Incentive
- Quarterly payments
- Basic amount plus rural supplement
- Ontario residents get up to $488 (single)
- Up to $732 (couple)
- Extra $120 per child
Special First-Year Deductions
Moving Expenses
If you moved 40+ kilometers closer to work/school:
- Moving company costs
- Temporary accommodation (up to 15 days)
- Travel expenses
- Shipping costs
- Storage costs
- Utility hookups/disconnections
- Keep ALL receipts!
Employment Expenses
If your employer required you to pay for:
- Work tools
- Home office expenses
- Professional memberships
- Vehicle expenses
Must have Form T2200 from employer!
Study Expenses
For post-secondary education:
- Tuition fees (T2202A form needed)
- Textbook costs
- Student loan interest
- Professional exam fees
Getting Help with Your First Return
Free Tax Clinics
Available if your situation is simple and income is low:
- Community centers
- Libraries
- Settlement agencies
- Religious organizations
Find locations: canada.ca/taxes-help
Settlement Agency Support
Many offer free tax help:
- Multi-language services
- Year-round assistance
- Document preparation help
- Benefit application support
Professional Help
Consider if you have:
- Self-employment income
- Rental property
- Foreign income
- Complex situation
Look for accountants experienced with newcomer taxes!
After Filing – What’s Next?
Track Your Return
- Create CRA My Account online
- Check status after 2 weeks
- Expect assessment in 8 weeks
- Watch for benefit letters
- Keep copies of EVERYTHING
Future Planning
- Set up a filing system for 2025
- Track expenses monthly
- Save important receipts
- Learn about RRSPs/TFSAs
- Consider tax instalments if needed
Common Issues to Watch For
- Missing slips (ask employers!)
- Wrong province of residence
- Forgotten foreign income
- Missed credits/deductions
- Incorrect banking info
Conclusion
Filing your first T1 return in Ontario is a major milestone in your Canadian journey.
Remember – you’re not just fulfilling a legal obligation, you’re opening the door to valuable benefits and credits designed to help newcomers succeed.
Take advantage of free tax clinics and settlement services, keep good records, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, file on time even if you had no income – those benefits can make a real difference in your first years here!
Need help during tax season? Call the CRA’s Newcomer Line at 1-833-995-2347. They offer service in many languages and are there to help you succeed.
Remember: Your situation is unique, and while this guide covers the basics, consider getting professional help if you’re unsure about anything. Many accountants offer free initial consultations for newcomers. Welcome to Canada – you’ve got this!
Common Newcomer T1 Ontario Questions
Q: Do I need to report income from before I came to Canada?
A: Generally no – only report income earned after arriving, unless you maintained significant ties to Canada before immigrating.
Q: What if my spouse is still overseas?
A: You can still claim credits! Report your spouse’s worldwide income but you only pay tax on Canadian income.
Q: I arrived in January 2024 – do I still need to file?
A: Yes! Filing establishes you in the system and starts your benefits, even with minimal Canadian income.
Q: Can I claim expenses from my home country’s move to Canada?
A: Yes, if they were for moving to start work or school in Canada. Keep all receipts!
Q: What if I make mistakes on my first return?
A: Don’t worry! You can file adjustments later using Form T1-ADJ or through CRA My Account online.
