Canadian Tax FAQs for Newlyweds

Mark Virgil Lofranco • 4 October 2024

If you’re tying the knot this year or recently said, "I do," congratulations! Best wishes to you both on this exciting new chapter of your lives.



Marriage is a journey full of surprises, like learning your spouse's quirky food habits or, in some cases, discovering one of you has tax debt with the CRA. While there will be ups and downs, navigating your new tax situation together will help keep things smooth and stress-free.

To help you get started, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about newlywed taxes in Canada.


1. Does the Date of My Wedding Affect My Taxes?


The specific date of your wedding doesn’t impact your taxes. Whether you marry on January 1st or December 31st, you are considered married for the entire year from a tax perspective. However, if your wedding falls on a significant date like April 30th (tax deadline day), being organized in advance can help you avoid last-minute tax concerns and keep your special day focused on celebrating.

You need to inform the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your marital status change by the end of the month following your marriage. You can do this by:


  • Using the “Change my marital status” service on My Account.
  • Selecting “Marital status” in the MyBenefits CRA or MyCRA mobile apps.
  • Calling 1-800-387-1193.
  • Sending a completed Form RC65, Marital Status Change, to the CRA.


2. Do We File Joint Returns Now?


Canada does not have joint tax returns. Each spouse files their own tax return, but the tax software used for filing can handle both returns simultaneously, helping to optimize credits like those for tuition or disability. This process, known as “coupled returns,” ensures that amounts from both returns are taken into account for various credits and benefits.


3. Can I Still File as Single?


After you’re married, you must file your taxes as a married couple. You cannot file as single again, regardless of future changes in your marital status. Failing to update your status with the CRA can have significant consequences, as your combined income affects eligibility for benefits like the GST/HST credit. The good news is that you can now transfer certain credits between spouses and combine expenses, such as medical costs and charitable donations.


4. Can Tax Credits Be Transferred to My Spouse?


Yes, some unused non-refundable tax credits can be transferred between spouses. This includes:


  • The age amount if your spouse is 65 or older.
  • The pension income amount.
  • The disability amount.
  • Up to $5,000 of unused tuition amounts.
  • The Canada caregiver amount for children under 18.


However, tuition, education, or textbook amounts carried forward from previous years cannot be transferred, and unused credits cannot be transferred if you were separated for 90 days or more, including December 31, 2023.


5. Can I Claim Credits for My Step-Children?


Yes, you can claim most credits related to children, whether you are the biological parent or a step-parent. For expenses like child care, the step-parent might need to claim the deduction if they have the lower income.


6. Can Wedding Expenses Be Claimed on My Tax Return?


This is one of the most common questions—and the answer is, unfortunately, no. Even if you use your wedding to promote your business, the CRA doesn’t allow wedding-related expenses as tax deductions.

Understanding the USA/Canada Tax Treaty

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
Are you a U.S. citizen living and working in Canada? Maybe you're a dual resident unsure of which tax rules to follow, or perhaps you cross the border daily to work for a Canadian company. Understanding the U.S./Canada Tax Treaty is essential for anyone earning cross-border income.  Filing taxes in just one country can be complex, and the U.S. tax system is one of the most complicated in the world. Figuring out taxes for both Canada and the U.S. can be challenging, but don’t worry, we’ve got answers. Here’s how your taxes work under the U.S./Canada tax agreement if you’re living or working in Canada and earning income.

9 Commonly Overlooked Tax Deductions for Startup Owners

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
Starting your own business is an exciting and rewarding journey, but with all the enthusiasm, some important financial details—like tax deductions—can be overlooked. As a new business owner, reducing your tax burden is crucial to maximizing profits, yet many Canadian small-business owners miss out on valuable tax deductions, paying up to 42% in taxes.  While you're likely familiar with common deductions like office supplies, meals, and wages, there are many lesser-known tax breaks that could save you money. Let’s dive into nine commonly missed tax deductions that could benefit your startup.

Methods to withdraw RESP

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
Navigating the financial landscape of your child’s education expenses, especially with rising inflation, can be challenging. Whether you're already contributing to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) or considering opening one to fund your child’s post-secondary education, it’s essential to understand the rules and benefits associated with RESP withdrawals.  Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your RESP in Canada.

Essential Tax Credits and Grants Every Small-Business Owner Should Be Aware Of

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
Did you know that public funding could help kickstart your business? While many entrepreneurs are familiar with startup loans, fewer know about the wealth of public funding options available—specifically, tax credits and grants. These financial resources can be game changers for launching and growing your business.  This article will guide you through various tax credits, grants, and other public funding options that can support your small business.

How to Handle Toronto's Inherent Property Tax Increase: Tax Advice for First-Time Buyers

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
Buying your first home in Canada is an exciting milestone. However, potential and current homeowners in Toronto should be aware of a major change on the horizon: a proposed 10.5% increase in residential property taxes, the largest since 1998. This hike, driven by a nearly $1.8B budget shortfall, includes a 1.5% increase dedicated to city-building projects, such as transit and housing. Homeowners could face an extra $26.75 per month, or $321 annually, in property taxes. City officials have also warned that without federal funding, property taxes could rise even further, up to 16.5%.

A CRA Business Number (BN): What Is It and Who Needs One?

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
Congratulations! Whether you’ve just become self-employed or started a side gig to earn extra income, you're on an exciting journey. Amid all the hustle, you might have come across something called a Business Number (BN). But what exactly is it, and do you need one? Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about registering for a BN as a self-employed person or small business owner.

2023 Canada Tax Checklist: Essential Documents You Need to File Your Taxes

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
Picture this: tax season is approaching, and you’re frantically trying to gather the documents you need, worried you might miss something important. Sound familiar? That’s why having a tax checklist is essential. It helps you stay organized and ensures you have everything you need to file smoothly.  In this article, we’ll cover all the documents you need to have handy when filing your taxes!

2024 Tax Deadline: When Is the Last Day to File Your Taxes?

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
As a taxpayer, one of the most critical aspects to stay on top of is the deadline for filing your taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) enforces strict due dates for both returns and payments. Filing on time not only helps you avoid interest and penalties but also ensures you get your refund faster. We’ve compiled all the key tax dates you need to know for a stress-free tax season.

NETFILE Opening in Canada: When You Can Start Filing Your Taxes

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
The way we file taxes has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, making it faster and more efficient to submit your returns. With tools like NETFILE, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers taxpayers a quick and secure method to file returns online. This article explains when to file your taxes, key deadlines, how NETFILE works, and why it’s a great option for fast-tracking your tax return.

Missed the Tax Deadline? Here’s Why It’s Not Too Late to File

by Mark Virgil Lofranco • 9 December 2024
If you missed the tax filing deadline and are feeling anxious, take a deep breath—it’s more common than you think, and it’s not too late to take action!  You can still file your tax return even after the deadline, and this article will walk you through the process to help you file confidently and minimize any potential penalties.
More posts