Pay Yourself First

Although submission of a TD1 form is not required each year, it’s always a good idea to ensure that your employer is not withholding more taxes than absolutely necessary – after all, it’s your money.

The TD1 form – 2015 Personal Tax Credits Return – along with its provincial counterpart, determines how much tax your employer (or other payer) will withhold from your payments. To ensure that you get the money all year long rather than a year from now when you file your tax return, update your TD1 whenever your family situation changes and check it at least once a year.  January is a good time to make that check.

On the TD1 you can claim your own personal amount ($11,327 for 2015), the amount for your spouse or common-law partner, amounts for eligible dependants, the caregiver amount, amount for infirm dependants, amount for pension income, tuition, education and textbook amounts, as well as amounts you are eligible to transfer from your spouse. Parents should note that the exemption for children under 18 is eliminated for 2015 unless the child is infirm.  Even for infirm children, the claim is reduced to $2,093 for 2015 (down from $4,313 for 2014).

A sister form to TD1: Form T1213 Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source for Year(s) ______ can also be used to reduce tax withholding for taxpayers who have RRSP contributions, Child Care Expenses, deductible support payments, employment expenses, carrying charges, charitable donations, rental losses or other significant tax deductions. For all expenses except deductible support payments which may be authorized for two years, you’ll need to file Form T1213 each year.  The form must first be sent to CRA for their approval before your employer is authorized to reduce your withholding tax.  Approval may take four to six weeks so the earlier you submit the form the better.