Canada Tax Basics — Newcomers & Truck Drivers

In Canada, your tax return is not only about tax — it is the key that unlocks your benefits. Here are the basics, straight from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Everyone files — every year

As a newcomer, you must file a tax return for the year you become a resident of Canada for tax purposes, and keep filing every year — even if you had little or no income. If you arrived in 2026, your 2026 return is due by 30 April 2027. The deadline for most individuals is April 30. If you or your spouse or common-law partner is self-employed, the filing deadline is June 15 — but any balance you owe is still due by April 30.

Why filing pays you

The CRA uses your return to work out benefit payments. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (the benefit formerly called the GST/HST credit) is paid every three months to help with the tax you pay on goods and services; if you are a new resident, you may need to apply for it in your arrival year using Form RC151. The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly payment for children — new residents apply using Form RC66. If you do not file, these payments stop.

Truck drivers: meals on the road

If you are an employee truck driver, you may be able to claim meals and lodging you pay for while working away from home, using CRA Form TL2 (Claim for Meals and Lodging Expenses) — your employer must certify the form. Long-haul drivers get a higher rate: if you drive a truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 11,788 kg, and your trip is an eligible travel period — away from your municipality for at least 24 hours, hauling goods at least 160 km from your employer's establishment — your meal and beverage expenses are deductible at 80%. Other transport employees are limited to 50%. The CRA offers a detailed method (actual amounts) and a simplified method (a flat per-meal rate — see the current TL2 form and Guide T4044). Whichever you use: keep your trip log/logbook and your receipts for the whole year. No logbook, no claim.

Keep it simple and safe

Keep your pay stubs, T4 slip and receipts in one folder all year. Free help exists: the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program runs free tax clinics for people with modest income and simple returns. And remember: the CRA will never threaten you or demand payment by gift cards, prepaid cards or crypto — that is a scam.

Official links

• CRA — Taxes made simple for newcomers to Canada
• Canada.ca — Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST/HST credit): how to get it
• CRA Form TL2 — Claim for Meals and Lodging Expenses

Sources: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — 'Taxes made simple for newcomers to Canada' tax tip, Canada.ca; CRA Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit pages, Canada.ca; CRA Form TL2 and Guide T4044 (Employment Expenses).