Students in Canada: Filing Your Taxes Can Put Money Back in Your Pocket

If you’re a student in Canada and you think,

“I didn’t earn much, so I don’t need to file taxes,”

you could be missing out on real money without even realizing it.

Every tax season, we see students leave refunds and benefits unclaimed simply because no one explained how the system works.

Let’s change that.

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Important Takeaways

Filing taxes as a student can get you refunds and benefits, even with low or no income, but only if you file.

Tuition fees earn a 15% federal tax credit that can reduce taxes now or in future years.

All students qualify for benefits based on income, and filing is the only way CRA can assess them.

A Short Student Story

The name below is fictional, but this situation happens every year.

Aman came to Canada as an international student and worked part-time while studying. His annual income was around $18,000, and he assumed filing taxes wouldn’t make a difference.

So he didn’t file.

Two years later, Aman filed his pending tax returns with us. Once CRA processed them, he received a refund of approximately $5,500 — largely because of tuition tax credits, along with other eligible credits and benefits.

It was money he could have used much earlier for rent, groceries, or tuition — but didn’t know he was entitled to.

Do Students in Canada Really Need to File Taxes?

Yes — even if you worked part-time, earned very little, had no income at all, or are an international student.

Filing a tax return is how CRA knows you exist in the system. Without a return on file, CRA cannot calculate refunds, apply credits, or issue benefits. No return means no money.

Tuition Fees = Real Tax Savings (15% Credit)

This is one of the most important things students don’t know.

When you pay tuition in Canada, you earn a 15% federal tuition tax credit (plus provincial credits in most provinces). This credit directly reduces the tax you pay — now or in future years.

These tuition credits do not expire and can be carried forward until you start earning more. But they only get recorded if you file your tax return. If you skip filing during your student years, you risk losing track of credits that could save you thousands later.

Are Students Eligible for Government Benefits?

Yes — all students are eligible for benefits based on their income, not their student status.

By filing your tax return, CRA can assess you for benefits such as GST/HST credits and provincial credits.

Even students with no income should file, because benefits are calculated based on your tax return, not just how much you earned.

This is one of the biggest reasons students should file every year.

“I Didn’t Earn Much — Will I Owe Tax?”

In most student cases, you don’t owe tax. Many students receive refunds because tax was already deducted from their pay.

Even if a small amount is owing, filing on time avoids penalties and keeps your records clean.

Why Filing It Correctly Matters

Many students try to file on their own and unknowingly miss tuition credits, income slips, or benefit eligibility. These mistakes compound over time and often cost more than people expect.

At Toronto Tax Boutique, our team specializes in helping students file correctly while ensuring no refunds or credits are missed. We keep the process simple, affordable, and stress-free, while ensuring nothing is left unclaimed.

Don’t Leave Your Money Behind

Filing your tax return as a student isn’t just paperwork.

It’s how you unlock refunds, tuition credits, and government benefits you’re already entitled to.

The money doesn’t come automatically — you only get it if you file.

Need Help Filing Your Student Taxes?

At Toronto Tax Boutique, we help students file their taxes the right way — with clarity, transparency, and a strong focus on maximum refunds.

📩 Reach out to us today and get it done right.

About the Author

Karishma Vidhani

Co-Founder, Toronto Tax Boutique

Karishma plays a key role in ensuring accuracy, structure, and compliance at Toronto Tax Boutique. Her journey from humble beginnings to building a successful firm has shaped her belief that financial clarity creates confidence. She is passionate about helping couples and families navigate tax filings correctly during important life transitions.