Do I claim my spouse on 2014 Income Tax or no?

[Techylady44]

Good Afternoon everyone.
I was wondering if anyone here had some information on whether or not I am allowed to claim my spouse on Income Tax.

Background info:
My Wife (then Girlfriend) arrived in Canada on November 10, 2013.
She obtained her VR extension in July.
We got married on September 6, 2014.
She stayed, as a visitor until September 30, 2014, when her VR expired.
She is returning, for a visit, in just a few days, and spending the holidays with me.

My question is this:
Since I was supporting her from November to September, do I claim her on my Income Tax?
She was not working for the entirety of 2014, so her income was $ 0.

Does anyone have suggestions?

Thank you in advance.

(sorry if this has been posted already)

 

[Techylady44]

Hi again.
If this topic has been posted in another area of the forum, I'd love a point in the right direction.
Otherwise, if anyone has advice to offer, I sure could use a bit of advice.

Thanks again!

 

[justagirrl]

From what I have learned, you can claim the spousal tax credit for her but you must be able to prove you were supporting her - specifically with money order receipts or cheques that were made out to her and cashed by her. If she had any world income, this must be declared on your return under spouse income even if it is not Canadian funds. CRA will determine what the cost of living is in her country and determine if the money you gave her can be considered support.

Paying for goods for her does not qualify as support. If you do claim the credit, be prepared to provide proof to CRA.

http://www.taxtips.ca/filing/spousal-amount-tax-credit.htm

 

[justagirrl]

Just revisiting this as I have been doing more research. It appears you can claim spousal tax credit because your spouse is considered a "resident for tax purposes" because they have "significant residential ties" to Canada by being married to you.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts/cmmn/rsdncy-eng.html