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If Your Partner Resides in Your Home Country

If you work in Canada but your partner still lives in your home country, it is important to understand what tax benefits you may be eligible to claim with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Depending on your situation, you could qualify for certain credits and deductions.

Long Distance

1. Spousal or Common-Law Partner Amount (Non-Resident Spouse)

  • If your partner has little or no income, you may qualify to claim the spousal or common-law partner amount (Line 30300 on your tax return).

  • To be eligible, you must provide financial support to your spouse, and their worldwide income must be below the threshold set by the CRA.

2. Eligible Dependent Credit

  • If your spouse has no income and is financially dependent on you, you may be able to claim them as an eligible dependent, provided they meet CRA requirements.

3. Proof of Financial Support

  • To prove that you support your spouse, CRA may require evidence of remittances, such as:

    • International bank transfers

    • Money transfer receipts (Western Union, MoneyGram, etc.)

    • Bank statements showing these transactions

  • The transfers must be regular and substantial to be considered valid for tax deductions.

4. Medical Expenses

  • If you have paid for your spouse’s medical expenses and they qualify under CRA rules, you may be able to claim them as a deduction on your tax return.

5. Foreign Tax Credit

  • If you are paying taxes in your home country on behalf of your spouse, you may be able to claim a foreign tax credit to prevent double taxation.

6. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

  • If you have children living with your spouse outside Canada, your eligibility for CCB depends on CRA residency requirements.

Key Considerations:

  • Spouse’s Residency Status: CRA will determine if your spouse qualifies as a dependent for tax purposes.

  • Reporting Global Income: Your spouse’s worldwide income must be reported even if they do not live in Canada.

  • Required Documentation: The CRA may request proof of financial support.

Conclusion

If you work in Canada while your spouse remains in your home country, you may still be eligible to claim certain tax benefits, provided you can demonstrate financial dependency. To avoid issues with the CRA, it is advisable to keep detailed records and consult a tax professional.