Tax Return Guide for Students Canada 2026

Many Canadian students skip filing their taxes because they assume they did not earn enough to owe tax. This is a costly mistake. Even with zero or low income, filing your tax return unlocks the GST/HST credit, the climate action incentive, tuition credit carry-forwards, and other benefits worth hundreds of dollars per year. Here is how to do it right.

Deadline: April 30, 2026 for the 2025 tax year. Filing late costs you your GST/HST credits and may result in interest charges if you owe money.

Why Every Student Should File Taxes

GST/HST credit: Quarterly payments of $50–$120 — free money from the government if your income is under ~$35,000
Climate Action Incentive (in eligible provinces): Up to $300–$900/year depending on province
Tuition tax credit carry-forwards: Credits that reduce your tax in future high-income years
Income tax refund: If you worked and had tax withheld, you may be owed money back
Student loan interest credit: Claim interest paid on your student loans as a federal tax credit

Key Tax Credits for Canadian Students

Tuition Tax Credit (Federal)

15% of eligible tuition paid

The federal tuition tax credit is 15% of tuition paid to qualifying educational institutions. Your T2202 form (from your school's student portal) shows your eligible tuition amount. If you have no tax owing, carry the unused credit forward to future years or transfer up to $5,000 to a parent or spouse.

Provincial Tuition Tax Credits

Varies by province (5–10% of tuition)

Most provinces offer an additional tuition credit on top of the federal one. Rates vary — check your provincial tax guide or use free tax software like Wealthsimple Tax to calculate automatically.

Student Loan Interest Credit

Federal: 15% of interest paid; Provincial: varies

If you paid interest on a government student loan (federal or provincial), you can claim a credit on that interest. Note: federal Canada Student Loans are now interest-free, so this mainly applies to provincial loans. You can carry unused credit forward 5 years.

Canada Training Credit

Up to $250/year, refundable

This refundable credit accumulates at $250/year once you turn 25 and have at least $100 in employment income. It can be claimed against eligible tuition and fees for courses you take to improve your job skills. Check your Notice of Assessment for your Canada Training Credit limit.

Moving Expenses

Deduction against employment or scholarship income

If you moved more than 40km to attend school and had employment income or taxable scholarships at your new location, you can deduct eligible moving expenses (truck rental, travel, storage). Keep your receipts.

Documents You Need to File

T4: From every employer you worked for in 2025
T2202: Tuition and enrolment certificate from your school's student portal
T4A: For bursaries, scholarships, and OSAP grants over $500 (the first $500 is generally tax-free)
RLSP (Quebec students): Relevé 8 for tuition
SIN number

Free Tax Filing Software for Students

Students with simple returns can file for free using:

Wealthsimple Tax: Free for simple returns, excellent interface
TurboTax Free: Free edition for simple returns
SimpleTax: Pay what you want model
CVITP (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program): Free in-person tax clinics run by the CRA at libraries and community centres across Canada

Transferring Tuition Credits to a Parent

If you do not have enough income to use your tuition credits this year, you can transfer up to $5,000 of the federal credit to a parent, grandparent, or spouse. The receiving person claims it on their return and saves up to $750 in taxes. Tell your parent what amount you are transferring before they file.

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