Last updated: March 18 2009

Claiming Credits - Prepare Your Returns on a Family Basis

With tax season upon us, it is time fora review of the joint, transferable and optional tax provisions that can be claimed on an inter-family basis.

Remember, there are benefits to filing your tax returnfrom a family point of view; it willinfluence your wealth accumulation activities and inter-generational estateplanning.

Tax Element
Provision
Can be claimed by
Income
  • Canada Pension Plan Benefit
  • After age 60, either spouse, if an assignment of split benefits has been applied for.
  • Taxable Dividends
  • Can be transferred to high earning spouse if Spousal Amount is created or increased.
  • Eligible pension income
  • Up to 50% can be transferred to other spouse
Deductions
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Either spouse may claim ifit holds household investment documents
Non-Refundable Tax Credits
  • Basic Personal Amount
  • Not transferable
  • Age Amount, Pension Income Amount, Disability Amount, Tuition, Education and Textbook Amounts, Amount for Dependent Minor
  • Transferable to higher earner if lower earner is not taxable. In the case of the Disability Amount and Tuition, Education and Textbook amounts this can include transfers from dependants other than spouse.
  • Claims for Spouse or Equivalent, Infirm Adults, Caregiver, Donations
  • Claimed by the supporting individual with higher taxable income in general.
  • Adoption Expenses
  • Can be claimed by either spouse or shared between them.
  • Medical Expenses
  • Usually claimed by spouse with lower net income for best benefit.
  • Labour Sponsored Fund Tax Credit
  • Can be claimed by either spouse if purchased within spousal RRSP.
  • Amount for children born in 1991 or later
  • Can be claimed by either spouse or shared between them
  • Canada Employment Amount
  • Not transferable
  • Public Transit Amount
  • Can be claimed by either spouse or shared between them
  • Children's Fitness Amount
  • Can be claimed by either spouse or shared between them

For more tax saving ideas, order Evelyn Jacks' Essential Tax Facts 2009 Edition.