How does a change in marital status affect my tax return?

by TurboTax•72• Updated 2 months ago

First, you need to tell the CRA about your life change via phone, mail, or updating your online account. You must do this by the end of the next month following your change. For example, if you got married in June, you must tell them by the end of July.

To avoid issues with NETFILE, wait until after you’ve notified the CRA before doing your taxes. Remember that the marital status on your tax return is based on your status at the end of that tax year.

Select your situation to learn more about how your marital status change may affect your taxes.

I’m newly married/common-law

If you’re newly married or have recently entered a common-law relationship, you may benefit from:

A spousal/common-law transfer: one partner transfers credits to the other to reduce taxes owed. Eligible credits include the age, disability, pension income, and tuition amounts.
The spouse/common-law partner amount: a credit if one partner supported the other during the year.
Contributing to your spouse's or common-law partner's RRSPs.

I’m newly divorced/separated

If you’re recently divorced or separated, you may be eligible to claim legal fees to set up, collect, or increase child or spousal support.

I’m newly widowed

If your spouse/partner passed away, you’ll need to complete their final return separately from yours.

You also may be eligible to claim survivor benefits under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) if your partner made CPP contributions.