You can prepare your returns together, but you do have to file them separately. If you file without his income, that might affect some of the credits and deductions.
As with married couples, common-law partners will have access to certain tax benefits, credits, and deductions by nature of their relationship status. That means that you’ll be permitted to:
- claim both the federal and provincial spousal amount tax credit if you supported your partner financially during the year
- contribute to a spousal RRSP
- combine medical receipts and charitable donations
Common-law partners may also transfer unused tax credits to their partner to reduce their household tax rate. These include post-secondary education credits, the Disability Tax Credit, the age credit (for those 65 years and older), and pension income amounts.
Another choice is to file both returns and then, after you receive a T5 slip, refile his return.
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