Filing a tax return, need help please!

[rubyalabar]

Hi! I just want to ask if I should file a tax return... Here's a bit of info about me...

My husband has been in Canada since 2008 so there's no question, he has to file a tax return for 2010.

As for me, I arrived in Canada on February 4, 2011. I did not work back in my home country in 2010 since I was taking care of our daughter full time. Now, when I got my SIN at Service Canada they told me to apply and send in the forms for GST/HST credit as well as CCTB & UCCB. When I called CRA to follow up aftwr 3 weeks they could not give me an answer and when I gave them my SIN I was told it's still not active because I have not filed a tax return yet.

So I called the International Tax Service Office of the CRA in Ontario, I was told to file a return even if the income is zero and I just arrived in 2011.

What confuses me is that the forms that they told me to use only apply to those who are IN CANADA as of December 31, 2010. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO?

 

[toby]

You should post this question in the Finance and Taxes section, so that Jonboy (who is a real expert) will take notice.

Meanwhile, just fill in the forms to the best of your ability, and write a brief cover letter explaining that you officially landed in Canada on (date). CRA can take it from there.

 

[Alabaman]

Which forms did they give you? Yes, you can file a zero tax return.... however, since your husband was in Canada, why dont you file as a couple? It might help in reducing his taxes.

 

[rubyalabar]

Thanks Alabaman, the International Tax Service Office said we need to file separately. They told me to use the general forms.

Thanks for the tip toby, I will re-post this on the Finance and Taxes section.

 

[kumbu.bumbu]

That is correct. My wife does not work and my tax consultant is making us to file separately. I don't know why.

 

[abelkwh]

I am a volunteer with the tax filing department, my advice is if u are married, its better to file together and not separately as this would help reduce the tax burden of the individual filing the returns. Also, if u file together, its more likely to have a chance of getting the refund available for yr GST or PST or HST.

 

[charkei]

Hi, I have some questions here and I hope you guys could help me out.

I came here in Toronto Canada last January 2012. 2 months after I found a job which is in Mcdonalds as a crew on weekdays and a part time home support caregiver on weekends on a private employer. I could earn to as much as $2300 to both jobs. My question is, should I declare my earnings on my part time job? I was paid by check and I wasn't paid for taxes from it. Thank you so much. I am hoping for a reply.