*The Commerce Journal>>>Canada Taxes

Do people on social assistance file taxes?

I was just wondering, if the government is giving them money do they still need to do taxes? Also if they do, do they get a return?
Im in Canada....

You need to file a return to be eligible for most benefits...this is how they keep track of dependants and such.

Yes, people on social assistance get refunds...usually made up of credits, like the Ontario sales tax credit.

Okay, first off (and you're not the only one who does this): The 'return' is the form you send in to the government. A 'refund' is what you recieve back if you have overpaid.

Everyone who earns income has to file. However, people on social assistance don't earn enough to pay taxes. There are a few small credits they can get, GST, child tax credit, that are paid monthly or quarterly as well. All low income earners qualify for those.

Since they didn't PAY taxes (If they are on SA all year), there is no refund. If they worked part of the year, paid some taxes, then went on welfare, they might get some or all of that back, assuming the income was still low enough.

I'm on social assistance, and yes, I received money back.

I agree with the previous posters except that not all taxpayers need to file a tax return.

You don't need to file a tax return if you do not owe money (generally) but there are some exceptions for example if you report a capital gain.

Someone on social assistance would file taxes to continue to qualify for social assistance. They most likely use tax returns as part of their eligibility screening.

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