I separated from my common-law partner. How does this affect my taxes?
You and you’re common-law partner need to be apart for at least 90 days to be considered officially separated by the CRA. In the year of separation, a claim for the common-law partner amount is calculated using your partner’s net income before the date of separation, rather than the whole year.
Are my tax credits or benefits linked to my partner’s income?
If you’re married or living common-law, there are a few credits and deductions that get calculated based on your total household income and children in your home, if you happen to have some. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the GST/HST quarterly payment are two examples of credits that are calculated based on joint income. If you’re receiving these benefits and your marital status changes, you need to update the CRA by the end of the month following your marital status change. The catch here is if you’re going through a separation, then you’ll need to wait the 90-day waiting period. If you keep getting benefits based on an incorrect status, you’ll be asked to pay it back. There’s no negotiating these amounts, and they can add up quick.