Tax Filing for Newcomers in Canada

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued updated guidance for 2026 to assist new residents in efficiently navigating their initial tax season, something professional advisors may wish to take more time to cover with immigrants to Canada. Filing a tax return is not only a legal obligation for residents but also serves as an entry point to vital benefits and credits that can substantially aid individuals and families as they establish their lives in Canada. Further, it’s important for people to know that it’s a requirement to report world income in Canadian funds on the T1.

A diverse client base can present some challenges to financial advisors, but also many opportunities, especially if you embrace diversity and tailor your practice to the needs of Canada’s changing demographics. New stats will be interesting to you if you plan to grow with this exciting new market, especially with young families.

If you have a university bound student in your home this year, there is plenty of good tax news to help with the financial burden. Once again, it’s important to be aware of opportunities to save or recoup some money, and remember to keep all receipts!

Today certain tax credits have been enhanced to help both full-time and part-time students while they are studying, including the monthly education amount. Only one education amount may be claimed for each month: the full-time amount or the part-time amount.   Here’s the criteria behind the numbers students will find on their Form T2202A, required to make the claim:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –   Modern day advisors need to learn a more proactive approach to both educating and assisting their assist clients through new conversations that are multi-generational in nature.  Evelyn Jacks, President of Knowledge Bureau is delighted that one of Canada’s top 50 financial advisors – David Christianson -  will help steer the audience in the right direction with his experience and wit again this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Lisa McKee, MFA-Business Services Specialist, reveals the secret of success for her firm, McKee Accounting: Putting the client at the centre of everything to provide high-quality customer service.

Many small businesses in Canada are led by individuals who are in or near retirement age. The majority of these companies require assistance with succession-related issues, often due to a lack of planning within the business. Qualified advisors have a significant opportunity to assist in this regard, building clients for the long term.