What is a tax credit and how can you get one?

Tax credits in Canada are one of the most powerful tools for financial support for citizens, allowing them to significantly reduce their tax burden or even receive cash payments from the government. For Calgary residents, understanding the tax credit system is especially important, as it can bring significant financial benefits and provide access to various government support programs.

Tax credit basics

Definition of a tax credit

A tax credit is an amount that you can subtract directly from the amount of taxes you owe to the government. Unlike a tax deduction, which reduces your taxable income, a tax credit reduces the actual amount of tax you have to pay, dollar for dollar.

For example, if your total tax liability is $3,000 and you are eligible for $500 in tax credits, your tax bill will be reduced to $2,500. Whether you receive a refund or simply pay less depends on the type of credit.

How tax credits work

Tax credits are part of Canada's progressive tax system, which is designed to ensure fairness and support those who need it most. They play a key role in redistributing wealth and providing social support through the tax system.

Types of tax credits

Non-refundable tax credits

Non-refundable tax credits can reduce the amount of tax you owe to zero, but they cannot create a refund or increase an existing refund. If the total amount of your non-refundable credits exceeds the amount of tax you owe, you will not receive a refund for the excess amount.

Example: If your tax liability for 2025 is $250 and you can claim $600 in nonrefundable tax credits, those credits will reduce your liability to zero, but the remaining $350 will not be refunded to you.

The most common non-refundable tax credits include:

  • Basic Personal Amount
  • Age Amount
  • Spouse/Civil Partner Amount
  • Education Credit
  • Medical Expenses
  • Charitable Contributions

Refundable tax credits

Refundable tax credits not only reduce the amount of tax you owe, but can also result in a tax refund, even if you don't owe any taxes. Any excess credit amount results in a tax refund from the government.

Example: If you have no tax debt but are eligible for $200 in refundable tax credits, you will receive a refund of $200.

The main refundable tax credits include:

  • GST/HST credit
  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
  • Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
  • Canada Training Credit (CTC)

Partially refundable tax credits

Partially refundable credits combine the characteristics of both types — they can reduce the amount of tax you owe and provide a refund of part of the excess credit amount. These credits are less common and only exist in some provinces for specific programs.

Major federal tax credits for Calgary residents

Basic Personal Amount

The Basic Personal Amount is the most fundamental tax credit available to all Canadian residents. For 2025, the federal basic personal amount is $16,129. This means that the first $16,129 of your income is not taxable at the federal level.

The credit is calculated as 15% of the basic personal amount, resulting in a tax credit of $2,419 for 2025. This credit is automatically applied to all tax returns.

GST/HST Credit

The GST/HST Credit is a quarterly refundable payment designed to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families offset the GST or HST they pay.

Eligibility: You are eligible for the GST/HST credit if you are at least 19 years old or under 19 and have a spouse/common-law partner or are a parent.

Maximum annual amounts for 2025:

  • Up to $628 per adult
  • Up to $314 per child
  • Additional amount for single parents

Payments are made four times a year — in July, October, January, and April.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The CCB is Canada's largest family support program, providing monthly tax-free payments to families with children under the age of 18.

Maximum amounts for July 2025 to June 2026:

  • $7,997 per year ($666.41 per month) for children under 6
  • $6,748 per year ($562.33 per month) for children aged 6-17

These amounts are reduced for families with an adjusted family net income above $37,487.

Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)

The CWB is a refundable tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The program aims to encourage participation in the workforce by making work more financially attractive.

Maximum amounts for 2025:

  • Up to $2,461 for single individuals
  • Up to $4,092 for families
  • Additional credit for individuals with disabilities

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit for people with severe and prolonged impairments of physical or mental functions. The credit for 2025 is $9,699, which provides a tax credit of $1,455 (15% of the credit amount).

To be eligible for the DTC, you must:

  • Have a disability tax credit certificate (Form T2201) signed by a qualified medical practitioner
  • Have an impairment that significantly limits your daily activities
  • The impairment must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months

Medical Expense Credit

The medical expense credit allows you to claim 15% of eligible medical expenses that exceed the lesser of 3% of your net income or $2,759 for 2025.

Eligible medical expenses include:

  • Prescription drugs
  • Dental procedures
  • Eyeglasses and contact lenses
  • Physical therapy and chiropractic care
  • Medical equipment

Education Credit

The education credit is 15% of eligible education expenses paid to recognized post-secondary institutions. If a student cannot use the entire credit, up to $5,000 can be transferred to a parent or grandparent.

Provincial Tax Credits in Alberta

Alberta Basic Personal Amount

For 2025, the provincial basic personal amount in Alberta is $22,323, which is significantly higher than the federal amount. This provides a provincial tax credit of $2,232 at a rate of 10%.

Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)

The ACFB provides direct financial assistance to low- and middle-income families in Alberta. The program is paid four times a year separately from the federal CCB.

Maximum amounts for 2025:

  • $1,499 for the first child
  • $749 for each additional child (up to the fourth)

New Additional Credit (2025)

The 2025 Alberta Budget introduced a new non-refundable additional credit to ensure fairness in the new tax system. The credit is equal to 2% of the total amount of eligible non-refundable tax credits exceeding $60,000.

This credit is rarely used and is intended for individuals who claim significant amounts of non-refundable credits, such as the basic personal amount, amounts for spouses and dependents, and certain medical expenses.

How to apply and receive tax credits

Step 1: Determine your eligibility Carefully review the requirements for each tax credit. Use the CRA's online Benefits Finder tool on canada.ca.

Step 2: Gather your documentation Prepare your T-slips, receipts, certificates, and personal information.

Step 3: File your tax return Even if you have no income, file a return to receive refundable credits.

Step 4: Separate applications The DTC requires Form T2201, and the CCB may require additional forms.

Step 5: Set up direct deposit Do this through CRA My Account for quick payments.

Using CRA My Account

Registration Required: SIN, date of birth, postal code, information from your tax return.

Features:

  • View credit and benefit status
  • Update personal information
  • Submit forms online
  • Receive notifications
  • Set up direct deposit

Common mistakes when applying for tax credits

  • Not filing a return with no income — missing out on credits
  • Poor document storage — risk of rejection
  • Missing deadlines — delayed payments
  • Not updating your information — risk of overpayments or delays

Transfer and carryover of credits

Between spouses You can transfer the amount for age, disability, and education.

To future years Charitable donations — up to 5 years, education credits — no restrictions.

Special situations

  • New arrivals can receive benefits immediately upon arrival.
  • Divorced parents can divide benefits for children.
  • Students have additional benefits and loans.

Practical tips for maximizing tax credits

  • Plan your expenses with credit thresholds in mind
  • Use the services of tax advisors
  • Review your situation regularly

Future changes and trends

  • Digitization of processes — Auto-fill my Return
  • Changes in Alberta — new rate of 8% on the first $60,000 of income

Conclusion

Tax credits in Calgary are a powerful financial support tool for various groups of the population. Their effective use requires an understanding of the rules, proper record keeping, and timely action. CRA's online tools greatly simplify the process, helping you get the most out of the benefits available.