Thursday, July 9, 2026 Every July, a wave of federal benefit payments resets for the new benefit year — and 2026 brings one of the biggest shifts in years. Between a permanent 25% boost to the old GST/HST credit, a fresh Canada Child Benefit increase, and the largest quarterly OAS bump of the year, millions of Canadian households will see different numbers land in their accounts this month. Here's what actually changed, and what to check in your own CRA account. The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) . It's not a new program from scratch — it runs on the same CRA infrastructure and eligibility rules — but the payment amounts are 25% higher, and that increase is locked in for five years. The first CGEB payment went out on July 3, 2026. Under the new structure: A single individual with no children can receive up to roughly $679 per year (about $170 per quart...
As the calendar flips to another year, so does the start of the tax season in Canada. Here’s what you need to know about filing your income tax returns and navigating the changes for 2024:
Filing Deadline:
- Most Canadians must file their tax return by April 30. This date also serves as the deadline for making payments if you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Self-employed individuals, along with their spouses or common-law partners, have a slightly extended deadline. They can file by June 15, but any money owed to the CRA must still be paid by the original April 30 deadline to avoid interest charges.
Home Office Expenses:
- The temporary flat rate method for claiming home office expenses (such as rent, electricity, internet, and office supplies) is no longer available. From 2023 onward, employees must follow a more detailed method to make these claims.
- Previously, eligible employees could claim a flat rate of $2 for each day worked from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, up to an annual maximum of $400 in 2020 and $500 in 2021 and 2022.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB):
- You no longer need to apply for advance payments of the CWB when filing your tax return. These payments are now issued automatically to those who were eligible in the previous tax year.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA):
- The FHSA program aims to help Canadians save for their first home. Contributions to an FHSA are deductible, and the income earned within the account is not taxable.
- Qualifying withdrawals from an FHSA to purchase a first home are also tax-free. Prospective homebuyers can start saving for up to 15 years, with an annual deposit cap of $8,000 and a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit:
- This refundable credit assists with the cost of renovations that create a secondary unit for a senior or an adult eligible for the disability tax credit.
Remember, staying informed about these changes ensures a smoother tax-filing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or a first-time filer, take advantage of the available credits and deductions to maximize your returns.
Comments
Post a Comment