How do I file a zero-income tax return?

by TurboTax• Updated 7 months ago

Even with no income to report, you can still benefit from filing a zero-income tax return. You may qualify for federal or provincial credits or benefits such as:

The Goods and Services Tax or Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST Credit)
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

If you attended school and have eligible tuition fees, you must file a return to claim any credits for use now or in the future.

Watch the video provided or follow the relevant instructions below to learn how to file a zero-income return. Be sure to accurately fill out all your personal information in TurboTax before starting the return process.

How to file your return using TurboTax Online

In the menu, find the Income heading and select Get Started.
Select Continue to start the process.
On the Do you have income to report? screen, select Continue without Income.
Complete the remaining sections of your return.
On the Detailed Tax Summary screen, you’ll see the benefits, credits, and refund you’re eligible for.

How to file your return using TurboTax Download

In the menu, find the INCOME & EXPENSES heading and select T-slips.
On the Entering your federal T-slips screen, check the box for any slips you received.
Select Continue.
To skip the remaining steps in this section, select Income summary from the menu.
Review the amounts listed, then complete the remaining sections of your return.
On the Detailed tax summary screen, you’ll see the benefits, credits, and refund you’re eligible for.