First time filing common law with a self employed spouse, how do I file with him not having his T5 yet before May?

[JulieHaché]

This is my first time filing common law with a self employed spouse who has his own construction company. I am trying to file separately but I still need to add all his info but his T5 is not ready yet as he does his personal filing at the same time as the company in May. How do I complete my filing without his info? I’m totally loss and need help moving forward as the deadline is approaching. Thanks

[TurboTaxAniqua]

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. 

Thanks for choosing TurboTax.