Embarrasing but... If you made no income, do you still do taxes?

[elliott_gyal]

Im so embarassed for even asking this.
Im not really asking so much if I have to do my taxes (obviously I do) but more so, will I have a return, or is this just so the government knows I didnt work?

Heres the situation:

My last job ended at the end of 2008. In 2009, January was the begining of my last semester of college, I had decided to soley dedicate all my time to keeping my grades up (homework/studying/etc). So I didnt have a job.

Come June, alot was going on, I moved back down with my mom, and developed a few health issues which disabled me from working. I am still struggling with these health issues, therefore I have not had a job.

SO. For 2009, When I do my taxes, (I usually do them online at quicktax), what i nthe world is going to happen? Ive never NOT worked so this is all new to me.

Thanks!

[Justine]

You worked when you were a baby?

[elliott_gyal]

You know what i meant. since ive been doing my taxes

[Natalka]

Yes, you still file. It establishes your contribution room for the tax free savings account, should you want to use it in the future.
Also, federally and provincially, there are refundable tax credits which you can qualify for even if you have no income and have paid no tax.
In addition, you should be applying for the GST/HST credit.
Plus, with you having gone to school, you may have education, tuition, textbook amounts that you want to carry forward to use in the future.

[Natalka]

You worked when you were a baby?

LOL, she beats me; I started when I was 12.

[elliott_gyal]

Yes, you still file. It establishes your contribution room for the tax free savings account, should you want to use it in the future.
Also, federally and provincially, there are refundable tax credits which you can qualify for even if you have no income and have paid no tax.
In addition, you should be applying for the GST/HST credit.
Plus, with you having gone to school, you may have education, tuition, textbook amounts that you want to carry forward to use in the future.

Perfect! Thanks hun!!!
I will hopefully do them later today and see what happens..

[trucks12trucks]

She means she has never worked ever since she has been able to/ of age.
and yes you still file the taxes

Even with zero income you are elligble for certain payments or credits for which you need to file the tax return..example: the GST/HST credit ( think you have to be over 19), Canada Child Tax Benefit payments ( if a person has kids) and other provincial taxcredits.

[trucks12trucks]

LOL I am so slow in typing, Thanks Natalka =P

[elliott_gyal]

She means she has never worked ever since she has been able to/ of age.
and yes you still file the taxes

Even with zero income you are elligble for certain payments or credits for which you need to file the tax return..example: the GST/HST credit ( think you have to be over 19), Canada Child Tax Benefit payments ( if a person has kids) and other provincial taxcredits.

trucks, do you know much about the hst credit? (im assuming you do you accounting genius ) Ive heard different things about it.. maybe here is already a post about it, but if there isnt, you shouldpost and explain it in fine detail for the "special" people who ride that "special" bus when it comes to finances/etc

[trucks12trucks]

lol I do work at a accounting firm and study accounting I shall make sure to write something about it, or Woofy if you wanna write you are welcome to!

Till then here is info about it
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/o...009/chpt3.html

Under
Tax Breaks for People

Ontario Sales Tax Transition Benefit

[puddin57]

great information guys! My husband asked the same thing obout our adult son who moved home and completed his GED this year. I'll ask him to go ahead and file anyways

[elliott_gyal]

lol I do work at a accounting firm and study accounting I shall make sure to write something about it, or Woofy if you wanna write you are welcome to!

Till then here is info about it
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/o...009/chpt3.html

Under
Tax Breaks for People

Ontario Sales Tax Transition Benefit

I just took a look,
so basically if I claimed my taxes with my boyfriend, we would receive 1000 in a year for hst, but since we claim seperately, we will get 600 for hst (both combined)?

[Zonny]

I used to get GST cheques, until I got married! My income was then combined with DH's, and I didn't qualify anymore.

Then they sent me another cheque. I called them to ensure that I was still entitled to it, since I had previously been told I wasn't, thought this could maybe be a leftover one. I was assured that everything was fine, go ahead and spend it. A month later I got a letter asking for the money back.

Z

[elliott_gyal]

thats bs! especially since you called to confirm!!!

[Justine]

I used to get GST cheques, until I got married! My income was then combined with DH's, and I didn't qualify anymore.

Ya.. my bf wants to fill as common law, but, I think it would affect my osap and tax cheques as well.