By TaxNorth Editorial Team
As a refugee claimant in Canada, filing your taxes is an important step toward accessing government support. Your immigration status does not prevent you from participating in the tax system.
Yes. The Canada Revenue Agency considers you a resident for tax purposes once you establish residential ties in Canada, such as setting up a home, opening a bank account, or living with family here. You have the right to file a tax return.
Filing your return, even with zero income or only social assistance, is how the CRA calculates your eligibility for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and provincial benefits. Note that the Canada Child Benefit has specific immigration-status eligibility requirements — filing a return alone does not automatically qualify you for the CCB. Review the CRA's CCB eligibility guidance at canada.ca.
To file taxes in Canada, you generally need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or another CRA-recognized identification number. Refugee claimants with a work permit can apply for a SIN at a Service Canada office — a SIN starting with 9 is issued to temporary residents. If you cannot obtain a SIN, you may be able to request an Individual Tax Number (ITN) from the CRA. The appropriate identifier and filing method depend on your circumstances — review the CRA's guidance on identification for filing, or contact the CRA directly to confirm the correct process for your situation.
Gather all your income slips showing how much money you received during the year. Complete Form T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return. If it is your first time filing in Canada, you may need to print the forms and mail them to the CRA rather than filing online. Keep copies of everything you send.
Social assistance payments are generally not taxable in Canada. However, you still need to report them on your tax return so the government can accurately calculate the benefits you may be eligible to receive. Not reporting them correctly can result in amounts the CRA later asks you to repay.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) offers free tax filing help at locations across Canada, including settlement agencies and community centres. Many locations have staff or volunteers who speak multiple languages. Search for a clinic near you at canada.ca/taxes-help.
Questions about filing taxes as a refugee claimant? Ask TaxNorth — free, step-by-step guidance in your language.
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