8 Tax Filing Tips For Students

Students should file an income tax and benefit return even with low or no income, because filing can unlock credits and benefits. Below is a practical checklist of common student-related items to confirm before filing.

1) Collect all income slips

• Gather every T4 from all jobs, even short-term or part-time roles.

2) Tuition fees (T2202A / T2202)

• Get your tuition slip/certificate from your educational institution and claim eligible fees.
• Keep in mind some tuition may not be claimable if fees were paid/reimbursed by certain programs or employers (depending on how amounts are treated for income).

3) Education and textbook amounts

• Your certificate may include months in full-time or part-time studies.
• Textbook amounts are tied to qualifying months where education amounts apply.

4) Student loan interest

• Only interest on eligible student loans can be claimed.
• If there is no tax payable in the year interest is paid, it may be better to carry it forward (within allowable carry-forward rules).

5) Public transit (where eligible)

• Keep receipts and pass details for qualifying transit passes or cards, if applicable.

6) Moving expenses (when the move qualifies)

• Moving may qualify when the new home is at least 40 km closer to school or work by the shortest usual public route.

7) GST/HST credit

Eligibility is typically determined when you file. Filing helps ensure credits and benefits can be assessed.

8) Child care expenses (if applicable)

• Keep receipts and the caregiver’s details (including SIN where required).