Experts PLS suggest, do I need to file a tax return?

[nevillek]

30 yr old Indian national finished MS in Canada (2013-2015), received Canadian PR in Sep 2017, started my first Canadian job at a call center from Apr-Oct 2017 (6-7 months) earning roughly $1100/mo. Do I need to file a tax return this time? I have never filed one before.

I think I don't have to file a return if my total income in a year is <$10,400 but just making sure?

 

[pie_vancouver]

If you want to get the refund from over payment of income tax(withheld) and you want to claim GST/HST credit, then you should file.

 

[nevillek]

If you want to get the refund from over payment of income tax(withheld) and you want to claim GST/HST credit, then you should file.

What's GST/HST credit?

 

[pie_vancouver]

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/goods-services-tax-harmonized-sales-tax-gst-hst-credit.html

 

[nevillek]

^ Is this referring to the GST I pay on food items, groceries, mobile purchase, etc. etc.? How would they know how much GST I have paid and how much to give me back? Don't understand this stuff.

How much can I get back in terms of GST/HST credit? If it's like $200-300/yr, I'm not bothered to break my head for it.

 

[pie_vancouver]

It depends on the income.

 

[nevillek]

It depends on the income.

What about this: Is this referring to the GST I pay on food items, groceries, mobile purchase, etc. etc.? How would they know how much GST I have paid and how much to give me back? Don't understand this stuff.

 

[pie_vancouver]

^No, did you read the link? CRA computes it base on your income.

 

[nevillek]

^No, did you read the link? CRA computes it base on your income.

Oh okay. Yes, I did read it but didn't understand why it was computing it on income rather than actual GST paid for any purchases. So basically, it's just a random estimate they make based on income? I can't seem to find the numeric amounts though based on income.

 

[pie_vancouver]

The lower the income, the higher the credit, don't you want extra money?

 

[nevillek]

Can you give an idea how much though?

 

[Wonderland_1010]

Can you give an idea how much though?

https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/icbc/prot/proc_witb1

Use this for estimate for GST/HST.