With many Canadians taking advantage of government supports during the COVID-19 pandemic, this tax season is sure to be unique.  

No tax was deducted from the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payments and a low amount of tax was deducted from the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) payments, so if you applied for those payments, you might notice a smaller refund than you are used to, or you might have to pay some back.  

People who have had to move to working from home due to the pandemic can claim a small tax credit of up to $400. If you worked from home for at least four consecutive weeks, you can claim a flat rate of up to $2 a day. This is only available for people who did not previously work from home.  

Mike Biette, owner of TaxTeam here in Moose Jaw, explains how paying back taxes could be different this year.  

“If you have a balance owing and you received COVID payments this year, and your income is below $75,000, CRA won’t be charging any interest on your balance owing until April 30, 2022,” says Biette.  

CRA is allowing digital signatures on tax returns, meaning tax preparers can complete a person’s taxes remotely.  

Biette says with the significant amount of government spending, he expects the debt to come back to taxpayers in the coming years.  

“They haven’t announced anything yet on any set tax changes in the future, but I’m sure we will see some changes implemented.” 

Biette explains, residents of Moose Jaw can also claim for the Carbon Tax rebate.  

This year’s tax deadline is Friday, April 30.