Filing your taxes has its benefits

File your income taxes to access automatic benefit payments available to you to help with the cost of living. Even if you have little or no income to report, file a tax return every year to get the money you are entitled to.

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On this page

• Why you should file
• Tax benefits and credits available to you
• How to file your taxes
• File your taxes for free
• When to file your taxes
• Register for direct deposit
• People new to B.C. or Canada

Why you should file

Every year, many people in B.C. miss out on hundreds or thousands of dollars in benefits to help with the cost of living.

You're automatically signed up to receive the benefits you're eligible for when you file a tax return. You can also claim credits to lower or refund your taxes.

Everyone should file a tax return every year, even if you have little to no income to report, so you can get the money you're entitled to.

Tax benefits and credits available to you

Benefits and credit are used to offset costs, lower the taxes you owe or return money you've already paid. Some are sent payments by cheque or deposit in your bank account, others are applied to your taxes when you file.

• B.C. renter’s tax credit: Up to $400 annual refundable tax credit for low- and moderate-income renter households
• GST/HST credit: Quarterly payment that helps offset the cost of the GST or HST people pay
• B.C. family benefit: Monthly payment to families with children under 18
• Canada child benefit: Monthly payment to families with children under 18
• Child disability benefit: Monthly payment to families with a child under 18 who has a severe or prolonged physical or mental impairment
• Canada Workers Benefit: Refundable tax credit to reduce taxes for low-income working people
• Tax credits: Reduce the provincial and federal taxes you owe
  • Refundable credits reduce your taxes and provide a refund if the credit is more than you owe
  • Non-refundable credits reduce your tax owed down to zero, you do not pay anything

How to file your taxes

You file your B.C. income tax return with your federal T1 Income Tax Return and send it to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Step 1: Gather your tax slips or other documents to report your income and claim your deductions

Step 2: Choose a filing option to complete your return – there are several ways to complete your personal income tax return, including various free or low-cost options

Step 3: Send your completed return to the Canada Revenue Agency

Learn more from the Canada Revenue Agency about filing taxes.

File your taxes for free

Online

You can prepare your taxes online using one of the free or pay-what you want tax software options that are certified by Canada Revenue Agency.

Once your taxes are prepared, you can file online using Canada Revenue Agency NETFILE.

In person

If you need help filing your tax return, you may be able to get your income taxes done for free by volunteers at a Community Volunteer Tax Program. Check the directory to find a tax clinic.

SimpleFile by Phone

Some people with lower- or fixed- incomes can use the SimpleFile by Phone service to auto-file their taxes – it takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

When to file your taxes

Your personal income tax return must be filed on or before April 30 each year, unless April 30 falls on the weekend, in which case your return is due on the next business day. If you have a balance owing, the deadline to pay your taxes is also April 30.