# Taxes and benefits for newcomers to Canada > How the CRA treats newcomers, why a CRA account and your first tax return matter, and the benefits many families look into, such as the Canada Child Benefit. - Category: Taxes & benefits - For: newcomers moving abroad to work, settle or join family - Country: Canada - Verified on: 2026-10-20 - Source: [CRA — Newcomers to Canada and the CRA](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants.html) - Page: https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-taxes-and-benefits-for-newcomers ## The short answer The **Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)** collects income tax and runs many government benefit payments. The CRA considers you a newcomer for the first year you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes, and for most newcomers that starts on the first day they live in Canada. As a resident you and your family can apply for certain benefits and credits, **even before you file your first tax return**. Filing your tax return every year is how most of them are calculated and kept going. ## Key terms in plain English - **CRA account:** your secure online account with the CRA, where you see your tax information, benefits and mail. - **Residency status for tax:** whether you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes. It depends on your **residential ties**. - **Residential ties:** significant ties are a home in Canada, a spouse or common-law partner in Canada and dependants in Canada. Secondary ties can include property, social and economic ties, a Canadian driver's licence or passport and provincial health insurance. - **Tax return:** the yearly form on which you report your income and which the CRA uses to assess tax and benefits. - **Canada Child Benefit (CCB):** a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18. - **Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB):** the benefit that replaced the GST/HST credit. It pays tax-free quarterly amounts to people and families with low and modest incomes. Under its new name, the eligibility and structure are the same as before. ## What to do, step by step 1. **Get your SIN.** You need it for your tax and benefits records. 2. **Register for a CRA account.** Use the CRA's official sign-in page. 3. **Understand your residency status.** The CRA explains how it is decided. If you are unsure, ask the CRA or a qualified tax professional. 4. **If you have children, apply for the CCB.** The CRA's pages explain who can apply and how to apply, and which documents to include. 5. **File your tax return each year.** For the CGEB, the CRA says you are automatically considered when you file. For the CCB, you generally need to keep filing to keep receiving payments. 6. **Keep your details current.** Tell the CRA when your address, marital status or family changes. 7. **Report income correctly.** Residents of Canada generally report income from all sources, including from abroad. Check the CRA's guidance for your first year. Quebec residents also deal with a separate provincial tax authority for provincial income tax, so check what applies to you. ## Beware of benefit scams IRCC warns that some promoters tell newcomers they can claim benefits for time **before they arrived** in Canada. That is incorrect. Benefits can only be claimed for periods after arrival, and only if you meet the eligibility rules. If you take part in a tax scheme and receive payments you are not entitled to, you must repay them and could face penalties. You are responsible for the accuracy of your return even if you pay someone to prepare it. ## Checklist - [ ] SIN ready - [ ] CRA account registered - [ ] Date you became a resident noted for your records - [ ] CCB application started, if you have children under 18 - [ ] Bank account details ready for direct deposit - [ ] Documents for your first tax return gathered - [ ] Tax return filed on time - [ ] CRA told about any change in address or family situation ## Common mistakes - **Waiting for the first tax return before applying for the CCB.** The CRA says newcomers can apply before. - **Not filing.** Many benefits depend on your filing. - **Trusting promoters who promise refunds or back payments.** That is a known scam. - **Ignoring letters from the CRA.** Check your CRA account for mail. - **Not telling the CRA about a change.** It can stop or change your payments. ## Things that change Benefit names, rules and payment amounts are updated regularly. The GST/HST credit was renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which shows how names can change. Check the CRA pages for the current position. ## Verify before you act Read the CRA page on [newcomers to Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants.html), the [CRA sign-in and registration page](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/cra-login-services.html), the [Canada Child Benefit](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit.html) pages and the [Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-groceries-essentials-benefit.html). This is general information, not tax advice. --- StudentFlow gives general information from official sources. It is not legal or immigration advice and we are not a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer. For advice on your case, speak to a licensed professional. Confirm current rules, fees and thresholds on the official source above.