Inland application and taxes - claiming line 303 (spouse or common law partner amount)

[np08]

Hi, there!

I wanted to direct this question at those people who have already claimed this. My spouse and I are unsure about one little part - the definition of my status for tax purposes.

I entered Canada in October, got married that same month, a little while later got added to our house title, and then applied for permanent residency.

My wife is in the process of doing her taxes and she can claim the above mentioned line (we've already confirmed we qualify for it), however there's a field where you have to put in the spouse's residency status in Canada. And now I'm reading this: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/technical-information/income-tax/income-tax-folios-index/series-5-international-residency/folio-1-residency/income-tax-folio-s5-f1-c1-determining-individual-s-residence-status.html and a bit stumped on which option applies to me.

The options are non resident, resident and deemed resident. I'm pretty sure I am a resident for tax purposes (because of the significant ties), just not sure which of the two.

Anyway, we're definitely looking into contacting a professional, just wanted to ask those of you who have already done this for your experiences.

Also, just to confirm, I don't need to file anything for myself personally, right? I have no SIN, haven't received my work permit yet, and my status here is still visitor.

Thanks!

 

[Rob_TO]

Did you make any income outside Canada in 2017?

 

[np08]

Did you make any income outside Canada in 2017?

I made about $150 via a student job in summer in my home country. That's the only thing.

 

[Rob_TO]

Since you only spent a few months in Canada in 2017 i'm pretty sure you're a non-resident for 2017.

And since you were living in Canada with your spouse as of Dec 31, 2017, she can include in the Spouse amount. She would claim full amount less the $150 worldwide income you made in 2017.

Depending on tax program you use, it may be difficult to enter info of a non-resident spouse with no SIN. Some programs are better than others in doing this.

After indicating spouse is a non-resident, CRA may send her additional forms to fill out declaring your worldwide income, before they allow the line 303 Spouse amount.

 

[np08]

Since you only spent a few months in Canada in 2017 i'm pretty sure you're a non-resident for 2017.

And since you were living in Canada with your spouse as of Dec 31, 2017, she can include in the Spouse amount. She would claim full amount less the $150 worldwide income you made in 2017.

Depending on tax program you use, it may be difficult to enter info of a non-resident spouse with no SIN. Some programs are better than others in doing this.

After indicating spouse is a non-resident, CRA may send her additional forms to fill out declaring your worldwide income, before they allow the line 303 Spouse amount.

Thank you so much, that clears up a lot of our confusion!

 

[Rob_TO]

Thank you so much, that clears up a lot of our confusion!

Just my interpretation of the rule, always best to confirm with an accountant!

 

[np08]

Just my interpretation of the rule, always best to confirm with an accountant!

Will do for sure, just wanted to get another set of eyes on it!