Tax filing

[DuberBlue]

Hi folks, new to this forum, so I'm sorry if you've had to answer this question many times before.

My wife landed as a PR in October 2013 and I'm just trying to make sure I get my ducks in a row so that we'll be eventually ready for her Citizenship application.

I realize I have never submitted a tax return for her. Reason being very simple -- she has not worked since landing (not for lack of trying, but also due to trying to start a family, and other factors). To my knowledge, there is no deadline for submitting a tax return for which you do know OWE money. But is the same true for pervious years? Would there be anything wrong with me going back and submitting a tax return for 2013? I just want to make sure she is on record as having filed.

Thanks!

 

[Seweify]

Hi folks, new to this forum, so I'm sorry if you've had to answer this question many times before.

My wife landed as a PR in October 2013 and I'm just trying to make sure I get my ducks in a row so that we'll be eventually ready for her Citizenship application.

I realize I have never submitted a tax return for her. Reason being very simple -- she has not worked since landing (not for lack of trying, but also due to trying to start a family, and other factors). To my knowledge, there is no deadline for submitting a tax return for which you do know OWE money. But is the same true for pervious years? Would there be anything wrong with me going back and submitting a tax return for 2013? I just want to make sure she is on record as having filed.

Thanks!

every adult has to file taxes even if they do not work. I guess your best bid is to contact the CRA to explain you were late for the 2013 and 2014 returns....

 

[SenoritaBella]

It is good practice to file taxes each year even if you/your spouse do not work. There are a number of tax credits you may be eligible for, but won't receive since CRA needs your tax information to calculate these credits. Examples of such credits are:
1. GST/HST credit, sent quarterly
2. affordable living credit (province specific), mostly for low-income families.
3. child tax benefits to help offset cost of childcare, etc
4. income-splitting (which the Conservative gov't started this year)
5. the spouse with the lower income (or no income) can claim certain credits resulting in a bigger refund.
6. higher income spouse can contribute to lower income spouse's RRSP thereby reducing their tax burden, etc.

 

[alphazip]

every adult has to file taxes even if they do not work. I guess your best bid is to contact the CRA to explain you were late for the 2013 and 2014 returns....

Incorrect. If your wife has no income, she does not need to file a tax return. However as SenoritaBella wrote, it is likely to her benefit to do so. She can file past returns without any problem. More information here: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/flng-blgtns/menu-eng.html

 

[paras1991]

if you need any help with filing taxes or need advice, let me know..I work as an accounting technician and run my own business of bookkeeping payroll and taxes..

If you file your wife's return, she won't get any GST or other benefits...The benefits are calculated based on family income and only one of the spouse gets it..when you have filed your taxes you would have also entered your wife's income on your return and if you would have been eligible for the benefits based on family income, you might have get it already... Different provinces have different benefits...if you have kids under 18, you get CCTB and UCCB based on family income..

There are certain credits that can be transferred between spouses to reduce the tax owing..