Do Teenagers Pay Income Tax?
Understand why age alone does not determine filing requirements.
Canada does not provide a general teenager exemption. Obligations depend on income type, amount and personal circumstances.
When a return may be required
A student may need to file if they owe tax, have certain CPP requirements or meet another filing condition. CPP contributions generally begin the month after you turn 18, so age can change what appears on your slips.
Even when filing is not required, it may produce a refund or establish eligibility for credits and benefits.
Common student income
Income may include employment income, tips, interest or investments, self-employment income and certain scholarships, bursaries or grants.
Whether a scholarship is taxable depends on the situation — do not assume every scholarship is taxable or tax-free.
Keep documents
Keep pay stubs, tax slips, receipts and other income records.
Try this
- 1List each type of income you received this year.
- 2Note whether you have a slip for it.
- 3Never share your SIN inside a website or app you do not fully trust.
3 questions
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Official sources
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