Filing Your Taxes in Canada - 91��ɫ International

Why is it important to file your taxes?

International students are strongly encouraged to file an income tax return each year, even if you did not earn any income. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) outlines several benefits to filing a return, such as eligibility for certain credits, refunds, and government programs.

Most international students studying in Canada on a valid study permit are considered residents of Canada for income tax purposes. However, residency status is determined by your individual circumstances, including the residential ties you establish while in Canada. It is important to review these ties and confirm your tax residency status before filing your return.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada’s guide on .

Due Date Deadlines and Exceptions:

The tax year is based on the calendar year, or January 1 to December 31st. Income tax forms must be submitted by April 30 of the following year. For example, you must complete your tax form for the 2025 tax year (January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025) by April 30, 2026. There may be some due date exceptions depending on your circumstances. Please visit for more information.

Does an International Student have to file taxes?

If you are an international student studying in Canada, you may need to do your taxes in Canada. Your residency status will determine how you will be taxed in Canada.

Learn more about to determine your residency status.

You must file a tax return if you:

Want to accumulate tuition credits or RRSP contribution room
Earned income from employment in Canada (co-op, Teaching and research assistantships)
Received scholarships, bursaries, or fellowships
Want to access tax benefits or credits

What do you need to file your taxes?

A SIN is a nine‑digit identification number that is unique, personal and confidential. If you don’t already have a SIN, Please visit the with Service Canada, or check out the 91��ɫ International Events Calendar for the next SIN Clinic.

What if you’re not eligible to get a SIN? You might be eligible to get a ITN:

An Individual Tax Number (ITN) is a unique number that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses to identify you for tax purposes if you aren’t eligible for a . Visit the more information on how to apply.

Your most recent Notice of Assessment (Not applicable if this is your first time filing taxes)
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and, if applicable, your spouse’s SIN
Individual Tax Number (ITN) - (ONLY necessary if you do not have a Social Insurance Number)
Your Passport and Study Permit
Direct deposit Information (Can be found online or your mobile banking app)

T2202 form - Tuition fees and education amount. To retrieve your tax form
T4 Form– Salary and wages (issued by your employer)
T4A Form– Scholarships, bursaries (issued by University)

Please note: You should get a letter/receipt from your landlord/ subletter confirming the above, in case CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) audits you in the future. You are legally owed a rental receipt from your landlord (know your rights).

The address you lived at (including postal code) in 2025;
Person full name living in the above address;
How many month(s)/year(s) you lived in that address(s) in 2025;
How much rent you have paid in 2025;
The name of the landlord/subletter that you rented it from

For prescriptions, a printout can be obtained from your pharmacy

If you earned interest on investments and deposits (issued by banking and financial institutions)

If you made any Canadian registered charitable donations during the period of January 1 - December 31, 2025

How do you file your taxes?

There are many free and paid services you can use to file your taxes. Here’s some 91��ɫ specific offerings, as well as Canada Revenue Agency approved services and software.

If you are an international student looking for resources and guidance on how to file your taxes during your studies in Canada, join us in this series of events to help you navigate the tax filing process with ease. 91��ɫ International offers the following services:

Tax information session	This session is designed for international students who want to learn whether they need to file taxes in Canada, understand their eligibility, or learn more about the filing process. Tax experts will provide a clear overview of your responsibilities and answer your questions. - Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 - 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM -Online via Zoom Registration: Please complete the to attend.
Get your taxes filed with an expert for FREE	If you require one-on-one support to file your taxes, free virtual (phone call) appointments are available for eligible international students. Clinic Dates: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY March 9th,10th and 16th 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Visit Tax Support Offerings for International Students to learn more.

You also have the option to file your tax return online using a tax preparation software. Choose from a provided on the .

offered by the CRA
offered by the North 91��ɫ Community House
offered by the University Settlement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

International students studying in Canada can be either a resident. Non-resident, deemed resident, or deemed non-resident.

Your residency status is based on the residential ties you have in Canada. To assess your residency status, visit

When you miss the April 30 deadline, you can still submit a late income tax return with interests or penalties. You may miss out on certain benefits and credits. If the CRA identifies you as a non-filer, they may contact you through mail, a call, or send a representative to visit you.

Deductions are amounts you can use to reduce from your total income, which makes your taxable income lower. In turn, you are charged taxes on a reduced amount of income. Credits are amounts that reduce the tax you pay according to your taxable income.

The GST/HST credit is used to support individuals with low or modest incomes when purchasing goods and services. You can apply for the GST/HST credit when you file your income tax return each year. The Ontario Trillium Benefit is used to support individuals with low or modest incomes, who reside in Ontario, and help offset Ontario sales tax on goods.