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Income Tax and Tax Credits

Last updated on December 8, 2017

Many B.C. seniors have questions about their income tax returns. For example, you may need to know what to declare as income, and the tax credits for which you’re eligible.

BC Tax Programs

The B.C. Government offers information for seniors on topics like:

For more information you can call B.C. Taxpayer Services toll-free at 1-877-387-3332.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The Canada Revenue Agency provides information for seniors on topics like Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Registered Retirement Income Funds, Old Age Security, the Canada Pension Plan and pension income splitting. You may also wish to get advice from your accountant or other financial advisor.

This is an automated phone service that provides information to individuals and businesses, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free at 1-800-267-6999

For personal income tax-related questions, call CRA toll-free at 1-800-959-8281, from 8:15 am - 5:00 pm Monday to Friday (except holidays) to speak with a telephone agent.

Preparing and Filing Your Income Tax Return

If you prefer to prepare your own tax return, you can do so by hand or use a software program.

You can file your return by mail, or online with NETFILE.

If you need help to prepare your tax return, you can pay an accountant or tax preparation firm to do it for you.

If you have a low income, you may be able to find help through the:

There are volunteer tax preparation clinics in communities across the province. For clinic contact information, see:

Tax Topics for Seniors (from Canada Revenue Agency)

Property Tax

For information about property tax grants and deferment programs, see: