I’m a Canadian citizen currently living in Seoul, South Korea. Both of my sons were born here, but they have recieved their Canadian citizenship cards. My wife, however, is a Korean citizen. We’ll need to apply for her permanent residency once we arrive (to which I’ve posted a question in the relevant discussion category). My family and I are planning on moving to Toronto in July.
I’ve read the site regarding the Child Tax Benefit and I wasn’t clear on a few things.
I moved to Korea in 2000, right after I graduated from university. Therefore, I have never filed taxes in Canada, only here in Korea. Would I still be able to apply for the Child Tax Benefit when we arrive or will it automatically be assessed once I file taxes next year?
It states that the application must be done by the direct caregiver of the kids. Since my wife will need to learn English, I will take care of most things, but she will be the one to stay home to take care of the kids while I work (or eventually find work when we arrive…knock on wood). She also wouldn’t have her permanent residency status right away. Would I be able to apply for the Tax Benefit even though I would not be the one staying with them at home?
Thank you…I’m so glad I found this site. It’s so hard to get answers to questions.
According to a Canada Revenue Agency - CCTB Representative, they stated that generally, they consider the one who is the primary caregiver the one who should apply. In this case, that person would require a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in order for her to be eligible for CCTB and GST/HST Credit.
They stated that it may be possible, in this type of situation, to complete the application and include a letter from your wife stating that you are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of your children. He stated that it may be possible, because, unfortunately, he cannot say definitively whether or not it will be approved in this case.
He stated that in this type of case, they will hopefully not dispute it because you will be the sole provider financially, and responsible for the care and upbringing. You will also meet the requirement of being a Canadian Citizen.
They stated a few things to include in the letter (from your wife) to be attached to the application:
Her Name, Address and Telephone Number
The fact that she is currently in the process of being sponsored as a Permanent Resident by you, her husband.
Name and Date of Birth of your children.
She should state that you are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of your child and the sole provider for their family.
She should date and sign the letter. Include her phone number.
The Canada Revenue Agency - CCTB Representative suggested that once your wife receives her PR status, if you like/prefer, you can switch it over to her name. That way the payment will be received in her name.
He also suggested that you send the application by mail, because in order to process it online she will have to have a Social Insurance Number.
Your application should be submitted to:
Sudbury Tax Centre
1050 Notre Dame Avenue
Sudbury ON P3A 5C1