"Enter the amount(s) paid for rent, property tax, home energy costs for a principal residence on a reserve, and/or accommodation" does a co-op student res count for this?

[ava-tsarynnyk]

lived in a co-op dorm for school, not affiliated with university for a few months. can I put it in this box?

[CaliA1]

Hello There!!!

In Ontario, there isn’t a direct “rent deduction” on your federal income tax return that lets you subtract the rent you pay from your taxable income. However, Ontario offers certain provincial credits that can take your rent into account, most notably the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) as part of the Ontario Trillium Benefit.Here are some key points:1. Rent Doesn’t Directly Reduce Income Tax 
 • Unlike some expenses that are deducted (for example, business expenses for self-employed individuals), the rent you pay for your residence isn’t a deductible expense on your federal tax return.2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit 
 • This credit is designed to help offset the cost of energy and property taxes for low- to moderate-income Ontarians. 
 • When you complete your tax return, you might be asked for information on your rent if you’re claiming this credit. Having proper documentation (such as a lease or rent receipts) showing that you pay rent for your primary residence is important.3. Specific Considerations for a Co-op Dorm 
 • Since you’re living in a co-op dorm that isn’t affiliated with your university, the key question is whether the arrangement qualifies as a “rental” arrangement in the context of the credit. 
 • If the co-op dorm requires you to pay rent and you receive proper rental receipts or an official rental agreement, then the amount you pay can be used when calculating your eligibility for the OEPTC. 
 • If your living arrangement doesn’t provide standard documentation (for instance, if it’s a subsidized living arrangement or run on a membership basis without formal rental receipts), you may have difficulty substantiating the rent you paid.4. What You Should Do 
 • Review whether your co-op dorm provides you with any documentation that shows you are paying rent (such as official rent receipts or a lease agreement). 
 • If you have that documentation, you can include the rent information when completing your Ontario tax forms to see if you qualify for the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit. 
 • If you’re unsure about your specific situation, it may be helpful to consult with a tax professional or call the CRA helpline for clarity on how your co-op arrangement should be treated.In summary, while you can’t "deduct" your rent from your taxable income, if you pay rent for a primary residence—and your co-op dorm meets the necessary criteria with proper documentation—you may be able to use that information to claim the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit on your Ontario return.