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Your first Canadian tax return, handled right.
CRA rules are different from what you knew at home. Most newcomers miss credits they’re entitled to — or make residency errors that take years to fix. We don’t let it happen.
If you moved to Canada during the tax year, you file a T1 personal tax return covering the period from your arrival date to December 31. Canada taxes residents on worldwide income — including everything you earned in your home country before you arrived. Count myAccount handles your residency calculation and world income reporting, and registers your benefit credits (CCB, GST/HST credit, RRSP) as part of the same return.
Is this for you?
You arrived in Canada in the last 1–3 years
Your first Canadian tax return is different from any return you’ve filed before. Residency rules, world income, and Canadian-specific credits don’t work the way you expect.
You’re here on a study or work permit
Temporary residents file too. A study permit, work permit, or PGWP each carry their own residency rules — which decide how you’re taxed and which credits you can claim. Count myAccount determines your status and files it correctly.
You received something from the CRA
A letter, a notice, a request for information. CRA correspondence creates anxiety for a reason — it’s designed for people who already know the system. Count myAccount reads it and responds.
Your family situation changed
Spouse arrived, child was born, dependants to claim. Family changes affect your benefit eligibility and your final return.
What does a newcomer return include?
T1 Return — Personal Tax Filing
Your T1 covers your Canadian income from your arrival date. Count myAccount calculates your exact residency period and files with CRA.
World Income Reporting
Worldwide income is one of the most-missed requirements for newcomers. Count myAccount knows which tax treaties apply, what to include, and how to handle foreign assets.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
If you have children and meet the residency requirements, CCB can start from the year you arrive — and most newcomers don’t know to ask. Count myAccount checks your eligibility and registers it as part of your return.
Benefit Payments & RRSP Room
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit) and your RRSP contribution room both start from the year you arrive. Count myAccount registers what applies so you don’t miss a quarterly payment or a deduction.
RC151 — Benefit Application for New Residents
New residents file RC151 to claim the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit) for their arrival year. Count myAccount files it as part of your engagement — it’s included.
CRA Correspondence After Filing
Questions from CRA don’t end when you file. Count myAccount supports you through any follow-up — notices, requests, NOA review — as part of the engagement.
How does Count myAccount handle a newcomer return?
Four steps, one specialist. Your newcomer return moves through a defined process from intake to CRA follow-up — no gaps, no handoffs to strangers.
Share your situation
You fill in Count myAccount’s intake form: arrival date, country of origin, employment, foreign income. No phone call needed to start.
Your file is assigned
Count myAccount routes your file to an expert who handles newcomer filings specifically. Not a generalist — someone who works with part-year residents daily.
Review and file
Your expert reviews your documents, calculates what you owe (or what you’re owed), and files with CRA. You get a plain-language explanation of every line that matters.
Support continues
CRA anxiety is normal. Count myAccount stays available after you file — for NOA questions, CRA correspondence, and any follow-up. That doesn’t end when you file.
What newcomers say about filing with Count myAccount
“As a new immigrant, I was nervous about my first Canadian tax return. Farhad was friendly and professional from start to finish. He found family benefits I wasn’t aware of, which was a pleasant surprise. He made a complicated task feel simple.”
“It’s a real relief to have someone who knows the system and makes you feel confident — especially when you’re in a country that’s not your own and you’re not really sure how taxes work. I will definitely reach out to him in the coming years.”
“I really appreciate the sense of trust you gave me. I’m very happy with the result. Also, your support in responding to CRA questions was truly valuable to me.”
“I had a great experience with Count myAccount for my family’s tax return this year. Farhad Farhoosh and Ms. Salamani were amazing to work with. They were very patient, professional, and took the time to answer all of our questions…”
Common questions from newcomers to Canada
Do I have to file taxes if I just arrived in Canada?
What if I had income in another country before I arrived?
Can I claim the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) if I just arrived?
What is RC151 and do I need to file it?
What if CRA sends me a letter after I file?
Your first Canadian return sets the pattern for every year that follows.
Start with a free consultation.