Life Changes
If you're in a bad situation, don't worry it'll change. If you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change
. ~John A. Simone, Sr.
It is rare that someone spends their life alone, so let`s concentrate on two events: you find your life partner get married or decide to live together, settle down and eventually start a family. So what is the government`s involvement in your personal life.
MARRIAGE
You are married if you went to the local city hall or civic centre or your house of worship, took out a marriage license and had the Clergyman or Justice of the Peace in that jurisdiction sign the marriage license.
You are married under common law if you have lived together for 12 consecutive months and have not been separated by relationship breakdown for a period greater than 90 days Or move in with the mother or father of your child, including an adoptive father / mother.
Once you are married, there are any number of tax benefits that will apply;
If your spouse does not work, you will be able to claim them as a dependant. That will trigger an additional tax credit equal to their basic personal amount. (Over $10,000)
If your spouse is disabled and cannot work, you will be able to claim their personal amount plus the disability tax credit (Over $7,600).
KIDS
If you have a child you may be eligible for:
Canada Child Tax Benefits (CCTB), depending on your income. This is a monthly benefit made to eligible families to help with the expense of having children in the home. A good place to start for information on benefits you may qualify for is the brochure "Canada Child Benefits":
If the child is under 6 you qualify for the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). A special benefit for children under the age of 6.
If your child qualifies under the disabled child provision, you may be eligible for benefits under the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). For information on the eligibility of this benefit, please see Form T2201.
Child Fitness Tax Credit
You may claim to a maximum of $500 per child under the age of 16 for the Child Fitness Credit for a prescribed program of physical activity.
You should apply for benefits as soon as a child is born or the child begins to live with you
