Northern residents: file your taxes, get your benefits

(NC) Living in the North has its challenges – but there are ways to make doing your taxes easier. 

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has dedicated phone lines where you can speak directly with an agent who understands northern tax issues.  

If you’re calling from an 867 area code, you can call the dedicated line for individuals at 1-866-426-1527 or for businesses at 1-866-841-1876. 

Doing your taxes will ensure you get your benefits and credits, such as the Canada child benefit, the GST/HST credit or related provincial or territorial payments. 

This may mean more money in your pocket to pay rent, pay for childcare, or buy food for your family. 

It’s important that you do your taxes every year, even if you have no income or are tax exempt. The information from your tax return is used to calculate your payments. 

This will give you access to other benefits and credits, such as:  

• the COVID-19-related recovery benefits;
• the Canada workers benefit, for working individuals and families who earn a low income; and
• the disability tax credit, for people with disabilities or their family members.

Interested in free tax help? The CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program could be right for you. For the 2021 tax season, many community organizations are hosting free virtual tax clinics. A volunteer may be able to do your taxes if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation. 

Find more information on services available in the north at canada.ca/service-centres-north.