Tax Guide for Newcomers in Quebec 2026
Everything you need to file correctly and receive all the benefits you're entitled to.
February 2026
FinMaple Team
- You'll file 2 returns: federal (CRA) + provincial (Revenu Québec)
- Key documents: T4 + RL-1 (and RL-31 if you rent)
- You can receive a refund + monthly Solidarity Tax Credit + GST/HST credit
- First time? Start by understanding CRA vs Revenu Québec
If this is your first time filing, start by understanding the differences between the CRA and Revenu Quebec and why Quebec is the only province that requires two separate returns. We also recommend reading our guide on the T4 explained to understand the key boxes on your employment slip.
Your 2026 tax roadmap
Key dates 2026
March 2
RRSP contribution deadline (2025 tax year)
April 30
File taxes (CRA + Revenu Quebec)
April 30
File taxes (CRA + Revenu Quebec)
June 15
Self-employed (taxes owed due April 30)
Documents you need
0 of 7
T4
From each employer (arrives before February 28)RL-1
Provincial equivalent of the T4 (Quebec only)RL-31
From your landlord if you pay rent (for Solidarity Credit)T5
Investment income, if applicableRRSP receipts
For the deduction if you contributed before March 2Donation receipts
For charitable donation creditsMedical receipts
Medical expenses not covered by insuranceYour first tax return: step by step for newcomers
If you arrived in Canada in 2025 or 2026, your first tax return is different. Here's what you need to know.
Do I need a SIN to file?
Yes. Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is mandatory for filing taxes. If you don't have one yet, apply at any Service Canada office. It's free and you usually receive it on the spot.
Do I have to file if I arrived mid-year?
Yes. You file for income earned in Canada from your arrival date. If you arrived in July 2025 and worked from August to December, you file those 5 months of Canadian income.
CRA My Account: how to register
CRA My Account is your portal to view your tax info, track your refund, and check your TFSA/RRSP room.
To register you need:
- Your SIN
- Your current Canadian address
- Information from your most recent return (or your first T4)
If it's your first year, you may need to request a security code by mail — it takes 5-10 business days.
Tip: Once registered, enable "Auto-fill" in your tax software to automatically import your T4 and RL-1.
Partial or full tax year?
If you were a tax resident of Canada for ALL of 2025: standard return.
If you arrived during 2025: you file as a "newcomer" (immigrant). On your federal return, indicate your date of entry into Canada.
Quebec: You must also indicate your date of establishment in Quebec on the provincial return. This may affect the Solidarity Tax Credit calculation.
What if I didn't work in 2025?
File anyway. Even with no income, by filing you:
- Activate your GST/HST credit (~$543/year for singles)
- Establish your tax history with CRA (important for future RRSP room and benefits)
- Register for Quebec's Solidarity Tax Credit
- If you have children, activate the Canada Child Benefit
Not filing your first year is literally losing free money.
How to file your taxes in Quebec
File online
Wealthsimple Tax processes T4, RL-1, RL-31 and RRSP. Supports Quebec's double filing. Free for simple returns. If you contributed to your RRSP before the deadline, make sure you understand the differences between TFSA, RRSP and FHSA to maximize your refund.
- Automatic import from CRA
- Quebec forms included
- No cost for salaried employees
Specialized accountant
For self-employment, investments, or foreign property. An accountant who understands your situation as a newcomer can maximize your refund.
- Ideal for complex situations
- Personalized advice
- Peace of mind with CRA and Revenu Quebec
Credits you MUST NOT miss as a newcomer
Many Latinos lose $1,000+ per year because they don't claim these credits. All are automatic IF you file your taxes correctly.
GST/HST Credit — up to ~$543/year (single, 2026-2027)
- Quarterly payment from the federal government
- Based on income — payments start reducing above ~$46,432 (single). Many earning $65,000+ still receive partial credit.
- Automatically activated when you file taxes
- No separate application needed — just file
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — up to $7,997/year per child under 6
- Tax-free monthly payment
- For families with children under 18
- Amount depends on family income and child's age
- You MUST file taxes to receive it, even if your income is $0
Solidarity Tax Credit (Quebec) — up to $1,200/year
- Monthly payment from Revenu Québec
- For low-to-medium income Quebec residents
- Includes housing component (you need RL-31 from your landlord)
Climate Action Incentive (CAI)
- Quarterly payment from the federal government
- For residents of provinces where federal carbon pricing applies
- Quebec does NOT apply (has its own cap-and-trade system)
- If you move to Ontario, Alberta or BC, you will receive it
Medical expense credit
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance (dental, glasses, prescriptions)
- Keep ALL receipts
- Includes: private insurance premiums, prescription drugs, dental, optical
Moving expense credit
- If you moved 40+ km closer to your work or school
- Includes: transportation, temporary storage, meals during the move
- Applies to moves within Canada. If your immigration move was to take a job or attend post-secondary, it may also qualify — consult an accountant
Summary table
| Credit | Approx. amount | Requirement | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST/HST | ~$543/year (single) | File taxes | Quarterly |
| CCB | Up to $7,997/year/child | File + children <18 | Monthly |
| Solidarity QC | Up to $1,200/year | RL-31 + file QC | Monthly |
| Medical expenses | Variable | Receipts | At filing |
| Moving | Variable | 40+ km, receipts | At filing |
What about my foreign income?
If you worked in Colombia, Mexico or another country before arriving in Canada in 2025, this section is for you.
Do I have to declare income from before I arrived?
Income BEFORE becoming a tax resident:
You do NOT declare it in Canada. You only file from your arrival date.
Income from AFTER arriving (from abroad):
YES, you declare it. If you kept receiving payments from your country after settling in Canada, those are taxable worldwide income.
Double taxation?
If you paid taxes in your home country on income also taxable in Canada, you can claim the "Foreign Tax Credit" to avoid paying taxes twice on the same income.
You need:
- Proof of taxes paid abroad
- Form T2209 (federal) + TP-772 (Quebec)
Foreign bank accounts
If you have foreign accounts with a total value exceeding $100,000 CAD, you must report them on form T1135 (Foreign Income Verification Statement).
This does NOT mean you pay taxes on that money. It's just a reporting obligation. The penalty for not reporting is $2,500.
Foreign properties
If you own property in Colombia/Mexico or another country:
- If it's your personal residence (for personal use): NOT reported on T1135 — personal-use property is excluded from the reporting requirement
- If you earn rental income: declare the rental income in Canada
- If you sell it: declare the capital gain in Canada
Tip: For complex situations (properties, foreign businesses), consult an accountant specializing in international taxes.
5 mistakes that cost newcomers money
Mistake 1: Not filing the first year
"I didn't work much, it's not worth filing."
False. By filing you activate GST/HST credit, CCB, Solidarity Tax Credit.
Loss: $500-$2,000+ in free credits.
Mistake 2: Not requesting the RL-31 from your landlord
If you rent in Quebec, your landlord must give you the RL-31 by February 28. Without RL-31, you can't claim the housing component of the Solidarity Tax Credit.
If your landlord refuses, you can report them to Revenu Québec.
Mistake 3: Not keeping medical receipts
Dental, glasses, prescription medication — it all adds up. A family can accumulate $1,000-$3,000 in deductible medical expenses per year.
Mistake 4: Not opening an FHSA before filing
If you plan to buy a home, open your FHSA BEFORE your tax return. FHSA contributions are deductible — just like RRSP but without repayment obligation. TFSA, RRSP y FHSA
Mistake 5: Confusing RRSP deadline with tax deadline
RRSP deadline: March 2 (to deduct in tax year 2025). Tax deadline: April 30. If you contributed to RRSP after March 2, that contribution counts for tax year 2026, not 2025.
Estimate your refund
Approximate calculation. Actual amounts depend on your complete return. If you pay rent in Quebec, don't forget to claim the Solidarity Tax Credit — many newcomers miss this monthly benefit.
$
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to file taxes if I arrived in Canada mid-year?
Yes. You file for income earned in Canada from your arrival date. Even if you didn't work, filing activates credits like GST/HST (~$543/year), Canada Child Benefit and Quebec's Solidarity Tax Credit.
Do I have to declare income from my home country?
Only income received AFTER becoming a tax resident of Canada. Income before your arrival is not declared in Canada. If you paid taxes in both countries, you can claim the Foreign Tax Credit to avoid double taxation.
How much can I get back on my first filing?
It depends on your situation, but a single newcomer renting in Quebec can receive: tax refund on withheld taxes + GST/HST credit (~$543/year) + Solidarity Tax Credit (varies by income, typically $200-$1,200/year). If you have children under 18, add the Canada Child Benefit (up to $7,997/year per child under 6). Potential total: $1,500-$4,000+ in the first year.
What is the RL-31 and why do I need it?
The RL-31 is a form your Quebec landlord must give you by February 28. It shows how much rent you paid. You need it to claim the housing component of the Solidarity Tax Credit. If your landlord won't provide it, you can report them to Revenu Québec.
What are the tax deadlines in Quebec for 2026?
RRSP deadline: March 2, 2026. Federal (CRA) and provincial (Revenu Québec) filing: April 30, 2026. Self-employed: June 15, 2026 (but taxes owed are due April 30).
What is the Solidarity Tax Credit?
It's a monthly benefit from Revenu Québec for low-to-medium income residents. It can reach up to $1,200/year and includes a housing component if you rent (you need RL-31). It's activated when you file provincial taxes.
Official sources
Information updated for tax year 2025, filing 2026.Keep reading
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