For 2018 tax filing, here are changes you can share with clients:
Changed credits and amounts
Tuition, education, and textbook credits – As of January 1, 2017, the federal education and textbook credits were eliminated. However, you can still carry forward unused amounts from previous years. As a result of the 2016 Ontario Budget, changes were made to the Ontario tuition and education non-refundable tax credits. Credit is available for eligible tuition fees paid for studies before September 5, 2017. In addition, credit for the education amount is available for months of study before September 2017.
Children's credits – As of January 1, 2017, the children's arts tax credit and children's fitness tax credit were eliminated.
Public transit tax credit – As of July 1, 2017, this credit was eliminated. For this tax year, you can claim the cost of eligible public transit expenses only for travel taken from January 1 to June 30, 2017.
Ontario Senior's Public Transit Tax Credit - As a result of the changes made to the Federal Public Transit Credit, the Ontario government introduced a new refundable tax credit effective July 1, 2017. To be eligible to claim this credit, you must meet the following criteria:
Be 65 years of age at the beginning of the year;
Reside in Ontario at the end of the year; and
Paid for eligible transit service from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 (receipts should be retained).
New and improved credits
Canada caregiver credit – This non-refundable tax credit replaces the family caregiver credit, the credit for infirm dependants age 18 or older, and the caregiver credit. It gives tax relief to eligible individuals who have a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependant, with impairment in physical or mental functions.
Disability tax credit (DTC) certification – Nurse practitioners across Canada can now certify the application form for the DTC.
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