Filing Taxes in Canada as a Newcomer: A Complete, Simple Guide

Moving to Canada comes with many responsibilities, and filing taxes is one of the most important ones. Many newcomers are unsure whether they need to file, what documents are required, or how taxes affect government benefits. At Wado Tax, we work closely with newcomers every year, and this guide explains everything in plain language.

Do Newcomers Need to File Taxes?

Yes. Even if:

• You arrived part-way through the year
• You earned little or no income
• You are a student, refugee, or sponsored newcomer

Filing a tax return helps you:

• Stay compliant with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Qualify for benefits like GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• Build your Canadian tax history

Not filing can delay benefits and cause issues later.

Who Is Considered a Newcomer for Tax Purposes?

You are considered a newcomer if you:

• Became a resident of Canada during the year
• Immigrated permanently
• Came as a refugee, student, or worker and became a tax resident

What Documents Do Newcomers Need?

Common documents include:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Passport and immigration documents
• T4 slips (if you worked)
• Tuition receipts (if you studied)
• Foreign income earned before coming to Canada

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — we help you understand what’s required.

Common Newcomer Mistakes

• Not reporting world income for part of the year
• Filing as a full-year resident incorrectly
• Missing benefits by not filing

How Wado Tax Helps Newcomers

• Explain everything clearly
• File correctly based on your arrival date
• Help you access benefits
• Offer affordable pricing and WhatsApp support