Moving expenses
A full-time student may be able to claim the expenses required to move to the education institution, if they move at least 40 kilometers closer to the school. Moving expenses can include flights, rental of vehicles, and shipment of clothing and other goods to the institution. However, moving expenses can only be claimed against the taxable portion of scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, research grants or other similar income. Moving expenses can be claimed whether the student is attending an institution within or outside of Canada. It is important to ensure that receipts must be presented for the expenses claimed.
Interest paid on student loans
To cover the costs of obtaining a post-secondary education, a student may require a loan to help pay for tuition and living expenses. It is important to compare the interest rate that will be charged, and the student should also consider repayment terms, and whether the interest is deductible for tax purposes. If the student takes out a loan under the Canada Students Loan Act, Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, Apprentice Loans Act, or any provincial equivalent, the interest paid on the loan can be deducted from their taxes. These acts generally include most provincial and federal student loan programs; however, interest paid on private loans cannot be deducted from a student’s taxes. Finally, the interest deduction can be carried forward for up to five years, meaning if the student’s income is not high enough to make use of the deduction, they can claim it for taxation years up until 2026.
Tuition fee credit
The student may be able to make use of the tuition fee credit to reduce their taxes. Students attending any recognized Canadian education institution or an international university – in a full-time capacity for at least 13 weeks – may qualify for this credit. The financial institution will distribute a T2202 slip dictating the total amount that can be claimed as tuition for the 2022 taxation year. Any unused tuition credits can either be carried forward or it may be possible to transfer a portion of the credits as well. Students can elect to transfer their unused tuition deduction to their parents, grandparents or partner.
Planning for School
To help reduce the cost of school, it is important for students to be aware of the credits and deductions that can be claimed when it comes to preparing their tax returns each year. An IG Consultant can help you and your child navigate these expenses in preparation for college or university.
Written and published by IG Wealth Management as a general source of information only, believed to be accurate as of the date of publishing. Not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, or to provide tax, legal or investment advice. Seek advice on up to date withholding rules and rates and on your specific circumstances from an IG Consultant. Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management and IG Private Wealth Management are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.
