How did you guys do for your Canadian Tax return?

[jhunjhun 7]

I tried to do my 2008 tax return and it was confusing and overwhelming. What is the best way to do it? What is the first step that I need to do? How is my refund will affect my residency? The most confusing is doing Schedule 1 Federal Tax. I cannot claim certain credits becuase my wife is a non-resident of Canada but Schedule 1 line 303 as me to subtract the basic personal amount which is $9600 to my wife's income. Can I put $9600 for my wife so that my wife's net income would be $0? ( 9600 -9600 = 0). If I put $0 my wife's income the net income would be $9600 ( 9600 - 0 = 9600).

Do you think my refund will affect my residency or not? Or this is only apply for certain credits such as non-refundable tax credits? How can I determine if I had a CPP and EI overpayment? Very frustrating to do compared to US tax return. Any inputs will be appreciated!

[Flames9_RN 358]

I found it to be no different than in any other year as if one was filing as single (and yes ur married) Yes, u can't claim ur USA spouse, so to ensure she doesnt get any credit, just ensure you put a value over that $9600. I just converted her USA income to Cdn income, thus the computer software I was using at the time, didn't allow me to claim any credits on her behalf. Can't recal the tax software I used, but my tax situation was fairly forward!

On my tax soft ware, to make it work, filed as married, had to put in 000 000 000 for her SIN, converted her USA income to CDn, (Ensure its over that $9600 personal amt)and put it in the required box, and then went about doing it as in any other yr I filed taxes. I wrote on the tax form in the very small writing, my spouse is a USA citizen, has never resided in Canada,nor worked for a Cdn employer! I attached a quick cover letter as well explaining the situation! I got most of my info from Calling Revenue Canada, which were pretty good to deal with. There is also a topic on the canada forum started by Zyggy on tax stuff

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=173578

Edited February 22, 2009 by flames9

[jonesg111 0]

I just sent in my taxes on Saturday and also talked with a lady from CRA. My wife is on a visitor's visa and I claimed her, I told that to the lady at the CRA and she said that there was no problem with that. I also put in her sin # as 000 000 000 so I hope that doesnt come back and bite me in the backside!!