The Canada Revenue Agency reminded taxpayers that filing an income tax and benefit return can be important even when income is low or no tax is expected to be payable.
CRA said filing allows the agency to determine eligibility for payments such as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, formerly the GST/HST credit, the Canada workers benefit, the Canada child benefit, and provincial or territorial payments.
The agency said it issued more than $56 billion in benefit payments to tax filers last year. It also said 19 million refunds were issued last tax season, with an average refund of about $2,000.
CRA highlighted tax credits as another reason to file. For example, eligible individuals may claim the disability tax credit, with a maximum amount of $10,138 and an additional $5,914 for those under 18. CRA said more than 300,000 eligible individuals claimed that non-refundable credit last year.
The source also pointed to SimpleFile services, which are designed to make filing easier for eligible people who may otherwise miss refunds, credits, or benefit payments.