Yes. If you’ve earned income or want to access credits and benefits, filing a tax return is necessary. Even without income, filing can help you claim potential refunds or other entitlements.

You must report all income sources, such as part-time wages, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid that may be taxable. While some scholarships are tax-exempt, it’s important to confirm the rules for each.

Absolutely. Tuition fees can be claimed as a non-refundable tax credit using the T2202 form from your school. This credit can reduce the amount of tax you owe, though it won’t generate a refund if your tax owing is zero.

Non-refundable tax credits lower your tax payable but won’t result in a refund if unused. Refundable credits, on the other hand, can give you a refund even if you owe no tax.

Yes. If you don’t need all your tuition credits, you can transfer up to $5,000 to a parent or spouse, as long as your own tax is covered first. Be sure to complete Schedule 11 for the transfer.