It is common to have questions about tax rules and how they apply in a particular situation. Separation and divorce decisions, particularly when there are children, property, or pensions involved, have tax implications.
Staying organized
Keep paperwork such as the signed separation agreement, court orders and bills for household items such as electricity, receipts for a child’s day camp or music lessons. Keeping all the paperwork organized in one place, even if it is in a shoebox, is important when completing CRA forms and responding to a request for proof of separation, expenses, etc.
Tip:
You should make use of CRA and Department of Justice Canada web sites, written materials, and call centres.
Resources taxpayers can use:
CRA main menu (http://www.cra.gc.ca/)
TIPs (Tax Information Phone Service) – recorded messages on key topics – 1-800-2676999
Email to connect to a CRA agent (http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fl-df/contact/index.html)
General inquiries (Tax related) – 1-800-959-8281
Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credit - 1-800-387-1193
Child support guidelines information, 1-888-373-2222 (http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/fl-lf/child-enfant/guide/)
You download a copy of the Tax Matters Toolkit below. Prepared by the Canada Bar Association, this toolkit offers general information meant to help people who are separating or divorcing understand how tax rules might affect their options and future finances. This Toolkit cannot, however, answer specific questions for every person’s situation.