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sl76 Posts: 15
Posted On: 3/16/2015
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Hello,
I'm a Canadian citizen currently living in Seoul, South Korea. Both of my sons were born here, but they have recieved their Canadian citizenship cards. My wife, however, is a Korean citizen. We'll need to apply for her permanent residency once we arrive (to which I've posted a question in the relevant discussion category). My family and I are planning on moving to Toronto in July.
I've read the site regarding the Child Tax Benefit and I wasn't clear on a few things.
1. I moved to Korea in 2000, right after I graduated from university. Therefore, I have never filed taxes in Canada, only here in Korea. Would I still be able to apply for the Child Tax Benefit when we arrive or will it automatically be assessed once I file taxes next year?
2. It states that the application must be done by the direct caregiver of the kids. Since my wife will need to learn English, I will take care of most things, but she will be the one to stay home to take care of the kids while I work (or eventually find work when we arrive...knock on wood). She also wouldn't have her permanent residency status right away. Would I be able to apply for the Tax Benefit even though I would not be the one staying with them at home?
Thank you...I'm so glad I found this site. It's so hard to get answers to questions.
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Moderator Moderator Posts: 4142
Posted On: 3/20/2015
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Hello,
Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us. Thank you also for your kind words regarding the Settlement.Org website.
Regarding your first question,
1. I moved to Korea in 2000, right after I graduated from university. Therefore, I have never filed taxes in Canada, only here in Korea. Would I still be able to apply for the Child Tax Benefit when we arrive or will it automatically be assessed once I file taxes next year?
According to the Canada Revenue Agency website,
Information you provide on your income tax and benefit return is used to calculate your CCTB payments. Make sure you file your income tax and benefit return on time every year, even if you have not received income in the year.
You can find some additional information regarding filing your taxes in our Settlement.Org Do I have to file a tax return? article.
Regarding your second question,
2. It states that the application must be done by the direct caregiver of the kids. Since my wife will need to learn English, I will take care of most things, but she will be the one to stay home to take care of the kids while I work (or eventually find work when we arrive...knock on wood). She also wouldn't have her permanent residency status right away. Would I be able to apply for the Tax Benefit even though I would not be the one staying with them at home?
According to a Canada Revenue Agency - CCTB Representative, they stated that generally, they consider the one who is the primary caregiver the one who should apply. In this case, that person would require a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in order for her to be eligible for CCTB and GST/HST Credit.
They stated that it may be possible, in this type of situation, to complete the application and include a letter from your wife stating that you are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of your children. He stated that it may be possible, because, unfortunately, he cannot say definitively whether or not it will be approved in this case.
He stated that in this type of case, they will hopefully not dispute it because you will be the sole provider financially, and responsible for the care and upbringing. You will also meet the requirement of being a Canadian Citizen.
They stated a few things to include in the letter (from your wife) to be attached to the application:
- Her Name, Address and Telephone Number
- The fact that she is currently in the process of being sponsored as a Permanent Resident by you, her husband.
- Name and Date of Birth of your children.
- She should state that you are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of your child and the sole provider for their family.
- She should date and sign the letter. Include her phone number.
The Canada Revenue Agency - CCTB Representative suggested that once your wife receives her PR status, if you like/prefer, you can switch it over to her name. That way the payment will be received in her name.
He also suggested that you send the application by mail, because in order to process it online she will have to have a Social Insurance Number.
Your application should be submitted to:
Sudbury Tax Centre
1050 Notre Dame Avenue
Sudbury ON P3A 5C1
You can find the application on the Canada Revenue Agency website.
Please note that this is the information we have received from a Canada Revenue Agency - CCTB Representative. We suggest that it may be good for you to contact the Canada Revenue Agency directly to confirm this information.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
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