On September 13, 2022, the Federal Government announced new measures as part of its Affordability Plan, with the intention of helping Canadians impacted by the effects of inflation.
Crowe MacKay's tax advisors provide a brief overview of the new measures. If you require assistance, connect with us in Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, or the Yukon.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit
The Government proposes to double the GST Credit for six months. Single Canadians without children would receive up to an extra $234, couples with two children would receive up to an extra $467, and seniors would receive an extra $225 on average. The proposed extra GST Credit amounts would be paid to all current recipients through the existing GST Credit system as a one-time, lump-sum payment before the end of the year, pending Parliamentary approval and Royal Assent of enabling legislation. Recipients should file their 2021 tax return if they have not done so already to receive both the current GST Credit and the additional payment.
Afordable Housing
The Government of Canada will be providing a one-time $500 payment to nearly one million Canadians who are struggling with the cost of housing. The payment would be launched by the end of the year, pending Parliamentary approval and Royal Assent of enabling legislation. In order to determine eligibility, the CRA would proceed with an up-front verification of the applicant's income, age, and residency for tax purposes.
Dental Care
The Government will provide eligible parents and guardians with up-front tax-free payments of up to $650 per year per child to cover dental expenses for their children under 12 years of age. This benefit would be available to families whose income is less than $90,000 annually. The target implementation date for this benefit is December 1, 2022 pending Parliamentary approval and Royal Assent of enabling legislation, and the program would cover expenses retroactive to October 1, 2022.
Canada Workers Benefit
The Canada Workers Benefit has been increased to help support low-income workers. Those with modest income could receive up to $2,400 in support this year.
Old Age Security
Those who are 75 years and older should see a 10% increase in their Old Age Security (OAS) which began in July 2022. In total, those eligible will see over $800 in new support to full pensioners over the first year.
Early Learning and Child Care
With the Government of Canada's new affordable, universal early learning and child care system, Canadian families should see their fees reduced by an average of 50% by the end of this year.Families can see savings of up to $6,000 in British Columbia and $5,610 in Alberta.
Indexed Benefits
Benefits that will be indexed to help keep the cost of living affordable include the Canada Child Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax Credit, the Canada Pension Plan, OAS, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Climate Change
With the Government's price on pollution, in the provinces where the federal system applies, a family of four will receive $1,079 in Alberta in Climate Action Incentive payments for the 2022/23 fuel charge year.
Eight out of ten families should receive additional Climate Action Incentive payments, getting more back than they will pay as a result of the price on pollution, with low-and middle-income families benefitting most.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
