What are the credits available to seniors living in Québec?

The most common one is the Solidarity Tax Credit. It is a non-refundable tax credit that includes:

  • The GST credit and the QST credit. The GST credit comes from the federal government. To receive it, you must file an income tax return and request it at the beginning of the return. To receive it, you must be registered for direct deposit. Please contact Revenu Québec if you need more information.
  • The Property Tax refund is which is designed to help seniors pay the property taxes of an eligible home when they are too high for your income.
  • The Credit for individuals living in Northern villages is now also part of the Solidarity Tax Credit. Complete schedule D of the Quebec income tax return TP-1 to claim the credit.

Tax Credit for Seniors’ Activities is available for Seniors who register in recreational, physical activity, artistic or cultural programs. This credit is claimed on line 462 of the Quebec tax return TP-1.

The Age Amount is for Quebecers who were 65 and older on December 31. Both spouses can claim the amount.

The Amount for Retirement Income can be claimed by certain seniors. This amount is eligible for taxpayers who have pensions on lines 122 and 123 of their income tax return TP-1. OAS and CPP pensions are not considered eligible income for this amount.

Tax Credit for Career Extension is available for seniors age 60 years or older for certain eligible work income. It is a non-refundable tax credit claimed on line 391 of the Quebec return TP-1, and is available for Canadian residents as of December 31st of the tax year. The maximum credit amount for a senior between 60 and 64 years old is $1,500. While the maximum amount of the credit for a 65 years old or over is $1,650.

The home-support service for seniors is offered to residents of Québec who are 70 and older. It helps seniors remain in their homes longer while they benefit from eligible home-support services. You can claim it on Schedule J of the TP-1 tax form.

Independent Living Tax Credit for Seniors is a credit available for seniors who made improvements to their home to continue living in their place of residence or who stay in a functional rehabilitation transition. It is a non-refundable tax credit claimed on line 462 of the Quebec return TP-1.

The tax credit for medical expenses is available to Québec residents. It is a non-refundable tax credit, meaning that it reduces the income tax you have to pay but it is not available in cash. You claim your expenses on line 381 of the TP-1. If you have eligible medical expenses that total more than 3% of your family income, you may qualify for a refundable tax credit in addition to the Tax credit for medical expenses. You would claim this credit on line 462 of the TP-1.

Income tax deductions on QPP benefits: This one is not really a credit. If you receive a pension from the Régie des rentes du Québec, you have to pay income tax on that amount. You can request that income tax deductions be taken off your cheque every month so you don’t have to pay the income tax it all at once. Contact the Régie des rentes du Québec for more information or to apply for the service.

TurboTax software will help you report your senior income and claim the eligible credits for your situation. Consider TurboTax Live Assist & Review if you need further guidance, and get unlimited help and advice as you do your taxes, plus a final review before you file.