International students are required to file a tax return if they want to claim a refund or credits. Since Canadian-earned income is always taxable in Canada, employment with a Canadian company is a clear indication that you should file a tax return, for both a residents and non-residents. As such, international students employed in Canada may find themselves either owing tax or being owed a tax refund.
Credit and benefit eligibility as an international student depends on residency status, which in turn is dependant on several factors.
The first step to filing a tax return is to obtain a Social Insurance Number from Service Canada, or an individual Tax Number from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Canadian residents should then complete their tax return with the General Income Tax and Benefit package of the province in which resided on Dec. 31 of the tax year. Complete the return by stating your income from both Canadian and international sources. As a resident, you will be taxed on income from all sources, but you will be able to claim any taxes paid to a foreign government as a foreign tax credit. Non-residents and deemed non-residents will complete an income tax package specifically for non- and deemed non-residents.
Finally, keep in mind that, as a student, you are eligible to claim tuition credits using the T2202/T2202A form, which is given universities or colleges.
Be aware of scams! They increase around tax time.
The CRA will not do the following:
• Send you an email with a link and ask you to share personal or financial information