Your first Canadian return does more than report income. It establishes your tax history and keeps benefits such as the Canada child benefit flowing. Here is what to know before you file.
When you became a resident
For most newcomers, Canadian tax residency starts on the first day you live in Canada. Residency depends on your ties here, such as a home, a spouse or children, and bank accounts, so the start date can differ in some situations.
What income you report
- After your arrival date: your income from everywhere in the world is reported on your Canadian return. If you paid tax to another country on that income, you may be able to claim a foreign tax credit.
- Before your arrival date: income you earned outside Canada before you became a resident is generally not taxed in Canada. CRA still asks for it, because it's used to work out some credits and benefits.
Property you bring with you
When you become a resident, most property you own, such as shares or investments, is treated as acquired at its fair market value on your arrival date. Only the gain after you arrive is taxed in Canada when you later sell. Keep a record of what each asset was worth when you arrived.
Once you're resident, you may also need to file Form T1135 in later years if the total cost of certain property outside Canada, such as foreign bank accounts, shares or rental property, is more than $100,000 at any time in the year. Budget 2026 proposes raising that threshold for later years.
Benefits you can apply for
- Canada child benefit: apply with Form RC66 if you have children under 18.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (which replaced the GST/HST credit): newcomers can apply without waiting to file a first return, using Form RC151. If you apply for the Canada child benefit with RC66, that application also covers this benefit.
When your first return is due
You aren't required to file until the year after you become a resident. If you arrived in 2026, your 2026 return is due April 30, 2027. Filing on time, even with little income, keeps your benefits flowing.