Immigration status and tax residency are not the same question. The Canada Revenue Agency looks at your residential ties and circumstances to determine when you became a resident for income-tax purposes.
Record your arrival information
Keep the date you arrived, addresses, immigration documents and a list of income earned before and after becoming resident. Some benefit applications ask for world income from before arrival even when that income is not taxed in Canada.
File even when income is low
An income-tax return calculates tax, but it also helps determine benefits and credits. Adults in a family generally need to file on time each year so income-tested payments can continue.
Keep information slips, employment and self-employment records, child-care receipts, rent or property information required by provincial programs, and records of eligible expenses.
Apply—do not assume enrollment
Some newcomer families can apply for benefits before filing their first Canadian return. Check the Canada Revenue Agency’s newcomer instructions for the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credit. Eligibility depends on status, residence and family circumstances.
Choose tax help carefully
Community volunteer tax clinics may help people with modest income and a simple tax situation. Complex foreign property, business, trust, departure or treaty issues may require a qualified tax professional.
Ask a paid preparer for their name, price and what is included. Review the return before authorizing it. A refund that seems unusually large can create a later debt if information is wrong.
Keep your account secure
The Canada Revenue Agency does not demand payment by gift card or cryptocurrency. Verify messages inside your CRA account or by using a phone number published on Canada.ca. Never tell a caller a code sent to your phone.