- Families will continue to benefit from a $2,038 Child Tax Credit for
each child under the age of 18. This will result in a federal tax
saving of $305 per child. And if one parent cannot use the entire
amount to lower their tax payable, the unused amount can be
transferred to a spouse or common-law partner.
- Parents can claim the Children's Fitness Amount. The non-refundable
credit is worth up to $500 for children under the age of 16 enrolled
in an eligible program of physical activity. Not every program meets
the eligibility guidelines so you need to ensure you know the
requirements. Make sure you keep your receipts. Disabled children will
also qualify for the credit if they are under 18.
- The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) is available to any child
under the age of six regardless of the family's income. Each child
under six is eligible for the $100 per month benefit. UCCB is taxable
in the hands of the lower-income spouse.
- Upon the birth of a child, parents should complete Form RC66, Canada
Child Tax Benefit Application and send it to the CRA. This form will
register their child for the GST/HST Credit and Universal Child Care
Benefit (UCCB) as well as the Child Tax Benefit.
- Taxpayers who use public transit can claim a non-refundable tax credit
for their passes. This includes passes purchased for dependent
children under the age of 19. The passes have to be for a period of at
least one month or weekly passes purchased over a period of four
consecutive weeks. Electronic payment cards also qualify.
- The rules for Registered Education Saving Plans (RESPs) changed in
2007. Designed to help save for a child's post-secondary education,
the RESP amount has been raised to $50,000 lifetime contribution.
There are also no longer any annual limits on RESP contribution.
Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) per year has been increased from
$400 to $500.
- A new Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is being introduced to
help families save for the financial security of a disabled family
member. There are great incentives provided to encourage people to
open RDSPs like Canada Disability Savings Grant, which will provide
matching government contributions. For a lower income family, a one
time Canada Disability Savings Bond will provide an initial government
contribution of up to $1,000 to kick-start the plan.
- Lower income families qualify for the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). The
Government provides $500 in a CLB at birth for children whose families
are entitled to the National Child Benefit Supplement. As long as the
family is still entitled to the supplement, they will receive an
additional $100 CLB each year until the age of 15.
- Apply for a social insurance number upon a birth of the child. You
will need this in order to open an RESP. It will also be required even
for minor jobs such as babysitting or paper routes. Money earned from
this type of employment qualifies for the calculation of an RRSP
deduction limit.
http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/February2009/23/c2811.html
