Simplified tax and benefit forms package for First Nations communities
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) wants to make it easier for First Nations communities to file taxes and receive their entitled benefits and credits, including COVID-19 related benefits. The CRA is working to reduce the unique barriers Indigenous individuals face when it comes to accessing federal benefits and tax credits. As part of this effort, the CRA is implementing a simplified tax and benefit forms package that will make the tax process easier for Indigenous peoples.
Starting in March 2021, the CRA will mail the simplified packages to all First Nations communities across Canada. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Service Canada (SC) will support in the promotion of the pilot.
The simplified package includes two new forms – the Credit and benefit short return and the Canada child benefit for First Nations form. These forms are only available on paper through band councils’ offices or via a community representative and cannot be downloaded. We encourage First Nations individuals to contact their band council’s office to get the simplified forms package.
For more information or to get help filling out the forms, First Nations can call:
- 1-888-704-8110 (Atlantic provinces)
- 1-877-303-3349 (Quebec)
- 1-833-262-1356 (Ontario & Nunavut)
- 1-866-837-1531 (Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan)
- 1-855-214-7070 (British Columbia & Yukon)
To use the simplified forms
Along with some regional eligibility requirements, you must meet the following situations:
- You are registered or entitled to be registered as an Indian under the Indian Act.
- You were a resident of Canada throughout 2020.
- Your taxable income for 2020 was $13,229 or less ($20,866 or less if you were 65 years of age or older).
- You are not claiming the eligible educator school supply tax credit for 2020.
- You are not filing this return for a deceased person.
Financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Government of Canada is providing financial support to help Indigenous peoples during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Indigenous Community Support Fund, which includes $305 million through the to COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
More financial support measures
Indigenous individuals and businesses can also access the measures available to all Canadians to assist them and their families during this difficult time.
These measures include the:
- Employment Insurance benefits and leave (EI)
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
- Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
- Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
- And temporary changes to :
- Goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credit (GST/HST credit)
- Canada child benefit (CCB)
- Children’s Special Allowance (CSA)
- Registered Retired Income Funds (RRIF)
To receive updates on what is new at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you can:
Stay connected
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- Follow the CRA on LinkedIn.
- Subscribe to a CRA electronic mailing list.
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- Watch our tax-related videos on YouTube.
