3A Tax Services Chartered Professional Accountant

Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire. If you qualify, you’ll receive the CPP retirement pension for the rest of your life.

Who can receive a CPP retirement pension?
To qualify for a Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension, you must:
- be at least 60 years old
- have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP
- Valid contributions can be either from work you did in Canada or from credits received from a spouse/common-law partner after a divorce or separation.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/eligibility.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

What to expect when the CRA calls?

Always be cautious when you receive a phone call from an unknown caller. When the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) calls you, the employee will identify themselves by giving you their:
- Name
- Phone number to call back

Never call the phone number that was given to you unless you have verified it yourself with the CRA.

If the caller left a voicemail message asking you to call back, you may be able to verify if it’s a CRA phone number.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud/verify-cra-contact.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

If you're unable to file or pay your taxes on time

CRA understand that individuals and businesses may face circumstances, such as disasters, where they cannot file or pay on time.

For help on managing debt during challenging times, call CRA if you can't pay in full or on time.

If you were unable to meet your tax filing obligations due to circumstances beyond your control, you can request relief from penalties and interest. Refer to: Cancel or waive penalties and interest at the CRA.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/when-you-money-collections-cra/contact-canada-revenue-agency-about-your-debt.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Who can apply Canada child benefit (CCB)?

You may be eligible to receive the Canada child benefit (CCB) if you live with and care for a child who is under 18 years old, and you meet all of the other criteria.

The CCB amount is calculated based on your adjusted family net income, and the number and ages of eligible children. As family net income levels increase, the benefit amount is reduced.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit/who-apply.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Emerging cyber threats: How to protect your online CRA account

While tax season may be over, threat actors aren’t taking a break from trying to get into your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account. Scammers operate year-round, and time their scams to capitalize on planned payment dates for CRA benefits and credits, or tax-filing season.

Our constant vigilance combined with your cyber hygiene creates a strong barrier against those seeking to gain from fraudulent activities. Recently, we have seen the tactics below used by threat actors to acquire your personal information, which could then be used to gain unauthorized access to your CRA account.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud/protect-account.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Which organizations can issue official donation receipts?

Only Canadian registered charities and other qualified donees can issue official donation receipts that allow donors to claim a charitable tax credit (individuals) or deduction (corporations) on their tax return.

If you are looking for a registered charity, search the List of charities. You will find the charity's registration status, contact information, general activities, and financial information.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving/list-charities/list-charities-other-qualified-donees.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment issuance

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will issue the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, formerly known as the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credit, on July 3, 2026. If you do not receive your payment by July 17, you may want to check on its status using your CRA account. The CRA cannot provide any other information about these payments before July 17.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-groceries-essentials-benefit/payment-dates.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Use a strong and unique password for your CRA account

It is important that your CRA account has a unique password that you do not use on any other accounts or devices.

If one or more of the following apply, it may be time for you to change your password:

You use the same password on another website, account or device
Your password contains personal information
You have shared your password with someone else
The CRA account sign-in credential allows up to 64 characters to ensure that you can create stronger passwords and protect your account.

Click here to learn more: https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/how-strong-your-password-five-ways-evaluate

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

In July 2026, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) will replace the GST/HST credit. Under the new program name, payment amounts will be increased, but the eligibility, payment calculation, and structure will be the same as the GST/HST credit. Quarterly payment amounts will increase by 25% for 5 years (from 2026 to 2031) starting in July 2026.

As a part of the transition to the new CGEB, an additional one-time GST/HST credit top-up payment will be provided to individuals who were entitled to receive the GST/HST credit in January 2026. This immediate support will be issued starting June 5, 2026.

Who is eligible
In most cases, you will not need to apply for the CGEB. Only new residents of Canada may need to apply using Form RC151.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-groceries-essentials-benefit.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Don’t miss out on benefits and credits: Why filing your taxes matters

It pays to file your taxes every year!
Filing your taxes every year isn’t just about reporting your income — it’s the key to getting (and keeping) the benefits and credits that help you with everyday costs, including the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). If you don’t file your taxes, you might be missing out on benefits and credits you’re entitled to receive.

Why it’s important to file your taxes on time
Your benefit and credit amounts for the year are calculated after your tax return is assessed. Starting in July each year, your benefit and credit amounts reset based on the tax return you filed for the previous year.

Click here to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-groceries-essentials-benefit.html

Information source from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)