Finance & Taxes

Finance & Taxes covers practical money and tax basics for newcomers and residents in Canada. It explains how taxes work, when you may need to file a return, and how benefit and credit payments are connected to your tax filing.

What you’ll find in this section:
– Newcomer tax basics (residency for tax purposes and first return questions)
– Filing your personal income tax return and common mistakes to avoid
– CRA benefits and credits (including GST/HST credit) and payment schedules
– Setting up direct deposit for CRA payments
– Everyday banking basics (opening an account, understanding fees)
– Credit report and credit score basics (how to check and protect your information)

Reality check: This content is informational only. Rules can change, and personal situations differ. Always confirm details using official CRA and Government of Canada resources before making financial decisions.

CRA — Newcomers to Canada and the CRA
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants.html

Canada.ca — Who should file a tax return
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/who-should-file-tax.html

CRA — Completing your return for newcomers
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants/completing-return-newcomers.html

CRA — GST/HST credit (overview)
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gst-hst-credit.html

CRA — GST/HST credit payment dates
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gst-hst-credit/payment-dates.html

CRA — Direct deposit (individuals)
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/direct-deposit/individuals.html

Service Canada — SIN overview
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html

Service Canada — Apply for a SIN
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.html

FCAC — Opening a bank account
https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/banking/opening-bank-account.html

FCAC — Credit report and score basics
https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/credit-reports-score/credit-report-score-basics.html

FCAC — Getting your credit report and score
https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/credit-reports-score/order-credit-report.html