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Sorting out your taxes as a student might not be your top priority, but it’s worth it. Filing a tax return can help you get money back and access credits that reduce what you owe now or in the future. Whether you worked part-time, received scholarships, or paid tuition, filing makes sure you don’t miss out on benefits like the GST/HST credit or Canada Training Credit.
And even if you had no income for the year, it’s still a good idea to file. Doing so keeps your information up to date with the CRA, maintains your eligibility for benefits, and lets you carry forward unused tuition amounts.
The tax filing deadline for the 2024 tax year is April 30, 2025.
Listen to: Tax Filing Tips for Students in Canada 2025: Get the Best Refund
How to File Taxes as a Student in Canada
Even if it’s your first time filing, the process is pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1. Gather your required documents
Before you begin your tax return, you’ll need the right documents and ID. To file in Canada, you must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or an Individual Tax Number (ITN).
Once that’s in place, collect the paperwork you’ll need to report your income and claim credits or deductions. This usually includes:
- T4 slip – Shows your employment income and taxes deducted
- T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate – Confirms tuition fees paid and months enrolled
- T4A slip – Reports scholarships, bursaries, or financial awards received
- Student loan interest statement – Shows interest paid on government student loans
- Other receipts related to your studies, such as moving expenses or investment income
Having these documents ready will save you time and make filing easier.
Step 2. Choose how you want to file (online or by mail)
When it’s time to file your taxes, you’ve got two options. Many students file online using NETFILE software, which is approved by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It’s quick, convenient, and lets you check the status of your return. You can also file a paper return and mail it to the CRA, although processing times are usually longer.
Step 3. Claim your Tax Credits and Deductions
As a student, you may qualify for several credits and deductions that can reduce your taxes or increase your refund. These include:
- Tuition tax credits
- The GST/HST credit
- The Canada Training Credit
- A deduction for student loan interest
- Moving expense deductions
Review each credit carefully and make sure you claim everything that applies to you.
Step 4. Submit and Track your Return
Once your return is complete, submit it online through NETFILE or by mail. If you file online, your tax software will walk you through the process. Paper returns must be sent to the correct CRA address.
After you file, you can track your return and view your Notice of Assessment through the CRA’s My Account portal. This is also where you’ll find updates on your refund and any changes to your tax information.
How to Maximize Your Refund: Tax Credits & Deductions Students Can Claim
Students in Canada have access to specific credits and deductions that can reduce taxes or result in refunds. Here are the tax credits and deductions you can claim to maximize your refund:
Tuition Tax Credit (How It Works & How Much You Save)
The tuition tax credit is a simple way for students to reduce the amount of tax they owe. You can claim 15% of eligible tuition fees paid to a recognized Canadian institution. Your school will provide a T2202 form that shows the amount you can claim.
If you don’t use the full credit this year, you can transfer up to $5,000 to a parent, grandparent, or spouse/common law. Any remaining credit can be carried forward and used in future years. This credit only applies to tuition fees, not to textbooks, housing, or other expenses.
Canada Training Credit & Student Loan Interest Deduction
If you’re between 26 and 65 years old, you may qualify for the Canada Training Credit. Each year, you can earn $250 toward tuition or training costs, up to a lifetime limit of $5,000. Your available credit will appear on your CRA Notice of Assessment.
You can also claim a deduction for interest paid on government student loans. If you don’t use the deduction right away, you can carry it forward for up to five years.
GST/HST Credit & Other Refundable Benefits for Students
Students often qualify for refundable credits and payments. The GST/HST credit provides quarterly payments to help cover sales taxes. Some provinces even offer rent credits for students who pay rent off-campus. You can also claim medical expenses if you paid out of pocket for prescriptions, dental care, or other health services.
You must file your tax return to access these benefits.
Common Student Tax Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what to claim is important and so is knowing what to avoid. Here are common mistakes students make when filing their taxes:
Not Filing When You Have No Income (Why You Still Should)
A common mistake is assuming you don’t need to file because you had no income. Filing keeps you eligible for benefits like the GST/HST credit and allows you to carry forward tuition credits or build the Canada Training Credit. Missing the chance to file may delay access to these benefits in the future, so don’t put it off.
Missing Tuition & Education Credits (Carrying Forward or Transferring)
Many students overlook tuition credits when filing their taxes, especially if they don’t owe anything. But those credits aren’t wasted. You can transfer up to $5,000 of your current year’s credit to a parent, grandparent, spouse, or common-law partner if they can use it. If you don’t transfer the credit, you can carry it forward and claim it later when you start earning more income.
For example, if you paid $4,000 in tuition and didn’t owe taxes this year, you could transfer that amount to your parents. If you don’t transfer it, the credit will stay on your file and you can use it in the future when you have income to report.
Forgetting to Report All Income
It’s easy to overlook smaller sources of income, especially if they didn’t come from a regular job. Tips, freelance gigs, online sales, rideshare driving, and even income from social media activities all count as taxable income. Leaving them out can cause problems with the CRA and delay your refund, so make sure every single source of income is mentioned.
Errors That Delay Your Refund or Trigger CRA Reviews
Simple mistakes can delay your refund or trigger a review by the CRA. Common errors include entering the wrong Social Insurance Number, forgetting to sign a paper return, or leaving out income slips such as a T4 or T4A. Incorrect banking information can also delay your refund. Make sure you review your return carefully to avoid these issues.
Best Free & Paid Tax Software for Students
Choosing the right tax software can make filing easier, especially if it’s your first time. Several options are available to help you complete your return and claim the credits you’re entitled to.
UFile (Free for Students) & TurboTax (Best for Maximizing Deductions)
One of the most popular free choices for students is UFile. It’s designed to help Canadian post-secondary students file their taxes online at no cost. The platform is simple to use and includes the forms you need to report income, tuition fees, and student-related credits.
For students who want extra guidance, paid software like TurboTax is also available. It offers step-by-step instructions and reviews your return for possible deductions. This can be helpful if your financial situation is more detailed, or you want added support.
Wealthsimple Tax & CRA’s NETFILE for Quick Online Filing
Another option is Wealthsimple Tax, a pay-what-you-can platform that makes online filing quick and easy. It supports most credits and deductions students can claim and is certified by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Once your return is ready, you can submit it online through the CRA’s NETFILE service. Filing this way is secure and allows you to receive your refund faster. You can also track your return and access your Notice of Assessment through the CRA’s My Account portal.
Filing your taxes as a student gives you experience working with tax slips, credit forms, and official records. It shows you how income, tuition, and benefits are reported to the CRA, which connects closely to the type of work done in many accounting-related careers.
If you are interested in building these skills further, SBC College’s Accounting program offers hands-on training in bookkeeping, payroll, and financial reporting. You will learn how to manage transactions, maintain accurate records, and support the daily accounting needs of a business.
To find out how the program fits your goals, contact our admissions advisor today.
Student Tax Filing FAQs
Can students get a tax refund if they have no income?
Yes, it’s possible. Even if you had no income, you can still receive refundable credits like the GST/HST credit. You may also be able to carry forward unused tuition credits to reduce taxes in future years. Filing your return is the only way to access these benefits.
What’s the tax filing deadline for students in Canada?
For most students, the tax filing deadline is April 30, 2025, for the 2024 tax year. If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, the deadline to file is June 15, 2025, but any balance owing is still due by April 30, 2025.
How do I track my tax refund with the CRA?
You can track the status of your tax refund through the CRA’s My Account online portal. After you file, you’ll receive a Notice of Assessment confirming your return has been processed. The CRA’s portal will show when your refund is approved and when the payment will be issued. You can also use the MyCRA mobile app or the CRA’s telephone service to check your refund status.
