Sun Life Patient & Family Resource Centre

TORONTO REHABILITATION INSTITUTE

Patient Education

In this issue:

It is tax time again!

Get help with your income tax return

Medical expenses – what can you claim?

Other possible tax credits

M a r c h 2 0 1 7

It is tax time again!There are lots of things you need to think about when you are filing your tax return. All the rules and possible deductions related to your situation can be very confusing. This is especially true if you are facing a health challenge or have a disability.

It is always important to ask a qualified professional about any tax credits or deductions that may be available to you. If you feel that you can’t afford to hire someone to help you, don’t worry. There are free programs and services available in the community that you can access. They are a great way to get valuable tools you can use to help you with your tax return. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Why not start here? There is lots of great information inside this newsletter to help you on your way. It may not answer every question you have but it will give you tips to consider when you are getting ready to file a tax return. Look inside to learn more about free tax clinics in your area as well as possible tax credits and deductions you may be able to claim.

Get help with your income tax returnFree income tax services:There are many free tax clinics, both in Toronto and around Ontario. Here are just a few to choose from. Always remember to bring all your receipts and your last years’ tax returns with you when you go.

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Employment Services – Free Income Tax ClinicsWhen: March 8th to April 28th (Wednesdays and Fridays, by

appointment only)Where: Lyndhurst Centre (part of Toronto Rehab)

520 Sutherland Dr., Toronto

Seniors, newcomers, students, those on social assistance, people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, low income or unemployed individuals with simple tax returns are all welcome. Conditions apply. To see if you qualify for this service or to book an appointment, call Errol Cyrus at 416 422 5644 ext 226.

Community Volunteer Income Tax ProgramIf you have modest income (less than $30,000) and a simple tax return, the trained volunteers here can help you. To see if you qualify for the program and to find locations across Ontario, look online at http://bit.ly/1ckD42t or call 1 800 959 8281.

Toronto Public Library – Income Tax ClinicsFor low income individuals and families. Some clinics require pre-registration and some may have certain conditions. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2kgQsR8 or call 416 393 7131.

Disability-related information guide & video series:This guide is full of important information on filing a tax return if you have a long term health condition or disability. It is available in regular print, large print or braille. You can also ask for it in a format that allows your computer to read it to you (etext) or play it on an mp3 or iPod. You can read it online at http://bit.ly/1Q7e55c or call 1 800 959 8281 to have a copy mailed to you.

There is also a great video series called “Tax Measures for Persons with Disabilities” which can help you. It’s available on YouTube. Type in this link to watch it online – http://bit.ly/2fa6ITd.

You have a simple tax return if: 9 You are not self-employed 9 You do not have any rental or business income

9 You are not filing a return for a person who has died

9 You have never filed for bankruptcy

Medical expenses – what can you claim?There are some items related to your care that you may be able to claim as a medical expense on your income tax return. It is important to remember though, that if any of these items was partially paid for through government programs, insurance or other sources, only the portion that you actually paid (not the total overall cost) can be claimed. For some of these expenses, you will need a prescription from a medical professional in order for you to be able to claim them. For full details and conditions, look online at http://bit.ly/1ZrW2yX.

Medical expenses – transportation• Ambulance fees

• Mileage – if you have to drive more than 40 km (one way) to a medical appointment

• Travel expenses – for meals, hotel and parking – if you have to travel more than 80 km (one way) to a medical appointment

• Car modifications - that help you both get in and out as well as assist you to drive safely

• Moving expenses - when you can no longer stay in your home due to illness or disability

Medical expenses – equipment• Breathing Devices –

like a CPAP machine

• Bathroom aids to help you use the bath, shower and toilet safely

• Braces for your body and elastic stockings

• Walking Aids – like canes and walkers

• Catheters and other incontinence products

• Hospital Beds

• Prescription drugs and injection pens (for medications)

• Eyeglasses & Contacts

Medical expenses – home modifications• Stair lifts and handrails

• Renovations that allow you to stay safe. Examples would be:

– Bathroom renovations to install safety equipment

– Kitchen renovations that make your drawers and cupboards more accessible for you to use

– Adapting doorways and driveways to meet your changing needs for things like wheelchairs and ramps

– Widening halls to make moving around the house easier and safer

The information contained in this newsletter is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.

© University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Patient and Family Library - 2017

Patient & Family Resource Centre Newsletter Editorial Board:Tedi Brash (Information Specialist), Melissa Yan (Coordinator, Patient & Caregiver Education), Lisa Cunningham (Volunteer), Farrah Schwartz (Manager, Patient & Caregiver Education), Kristin Foster (Graphic Artist)

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Disability tax creditIf a medical professional certifies that you have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions then you may qualify. Take the Self Assessment Questionnaire as a first step to see if you might be a candidate. Find it online at http://bit.ly/2krWh0b.

Family caregiver amountIf you are caring for someone who is 18 years old or older, or who is dependent on you because of an impairment in physical or mental function, you may qualify for tax credits. To learn more, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/familycaregiver.

Attendant care expensesIf you or your family member needs extra help with health care needs, you might qualify to be able to claim this on your income tax. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1LfgcCT.

Gluten-free productsIf you have Celiac disease, you may be able to claim the amount over and above what a non-gluten free equivalent product would cost. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/2krYusm.

Ontario Trillium BenefitThis benefit helps low income individuals pay for energy costs, and provides relief from sales and property tax. It is administered through Revenue Canada. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/2lb6rmL.

Healthy homes renovation taxYou may be eligible to claim home renovations that allow you to stay safely in your own home. It is also the last year that this tax can be claimed. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2kEVl8W.

Other possible tax credits: