Last reviewed in February 2023 by the Clicklaw Editors

Income tax is the tax that the federal and provincial governments put on your income. If you were a resident of BC on the last day of the tax year, or you earned income in BC during the year, you may have to file BC income tax. Provincial income tax is filed with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) along with your federal income tax return.

You can pay a professional to help file your return, but there is also free help available. You can call CRA or go to one of their tax clinics. Tax clinics are also often offered through other non-profit organizations.

Good starting points include:

• Free Tax Clinics, from the Canada Revenue Agency, is a page that you can use to learn more about how you can get help with your tax returns. 
• Dollars and Sense: A Guide for Your Money, from the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC, is a guide to managing money for youth, with a chapter on how to file your income tax.
• Taxes & Tax Credits, from the Government of BC, provides personal and general tax information, including information for BC residents.
• Income Tax Implications of Support Payments, from the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch (CBABC), outlines the effect of spousal support (sometimes called spousal maintenance) and child support on your income tax. The reference to “spouse” applies whether you are separated or divorced and includes ex-spouses. It also applies to common-law spouses.

Need more help?

• Individual Tax Enquiries Line, from the Canada Revenue Agency, has a telephone service that you can use to request a remittance voucher, check the status of your tax returns, check your tax account balance, and how much in RRSP contributions you can deduct on your current tax return year. Call 1-800-959-8281 for assistance.

See our related common questions:

• I am Aboriginal, and I need help with my income tax
• See all common questions about taxes & finances

tags

filing income tax returns, income tax, Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA)