Many thanks for your expertise and patience; it’s very special.
Marcel Boulet
FAQs
What is the disability tax credit?
It is a disability amount that only after the disability tax credit certificate application has been approved by Canada Revenue Agency, can an individual claim the credit on their T1 annual return
Why can’t my accountant/tax preparer help me?
Simply due to the fact that; the interpretation of an individual’s disability; the transferring of that information onto the application and the subsequent navigation of the disability tax credit application through the Canada Revenue Agency is not an accounting function
Brematson & Associates Inc. was established specifically to assist individuals in navigating the complex hurdles of the government bureaucracy. We act as the liaison between the client and Canada Revenue Agency.
Do I qualify for the disability tax credit?
Individuals who have a physical and or mental impairment may qualify to claim the tax credit. Let Brematson & Associates Inc. assess your situation. Call to make an appointment.
Why isn’t this my accountant’s job?
Applying for the Disability Tax Credit can be an involved and lengthy process to ensure you meet the criteria and your claim is approved. The interpretation of an individual’s disability, submission and monitoring of applications, and the the navigation of the disability tax credit application through the Canada Revenue Agency is not an accounting function.
Brematson & Associates Inc. was established specifically to assist individuals in navigating the complex hurdles of the government bureaucracy. We act as the liaison between the client and Canada Revenue Agency.
Can my doctor help me?
Your doctor does play a vital role in the application process, however, not all doctors are aware of the criteria nor are they familiar with the intricacies of the application process. Also we act as a liaison between the doctor and the client to ensure the application standards are met.
How long has the tax credit been available?
Since 1944.
My doctor thinks I have to be wheelchair bound to be eligible. Is this right?
You do not have to be in a wheelchair to be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. It is important to note, however, that a qualified practitioner must notarize the T2201 form prior to submission to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Does a doctor have to sign the form?
A medical doctor is authorized to notarize all sections of the form. Some categories allow for other qualified practitioners to sign the form. The list is as follows: an optometrist for vision; a speech-language pathologist for speaking; an audiologist for hearing; an occupational therapist for walking, feeding and dressing; physiotherapist for walking (only for 2005 and later years) and a psychologist for mental functions.
If a doctor signs the form, is eligibility guaranteed?
No. In addition to the doctor’s signature, the form must be completed correctly and then follow the due process of the Canada Revenue Agency.
How much income do you have to have to benefit from the Disability Tax Credit?
You do not have to have any income in order to claim the Disability Tax Credit but taxable income is required to benefit monetarily from the credit.
What benefits are available for caregivers?
The Caregiver Amount on your annual tax return may apply when a disabled adult (over the age 18) lives with an adult family member. The disabled person’s income will be a factor. The spouse of a disabled person is not eligible to claim the Caregiver Amount.
In Manitoba, the Primary Caregiver Tax Credit provides recognition and financial support to individuals who serve as primary caregivers for more than three consecutive months. This program builds upon the Manitoba Home Care Program and is intended to help care-recipients remain independent as long as possible.
For more information on the Manitoba Primary Caregiver tax: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/homecare/
Do I have to renew my claim each year?
You do not have to submit a new claim each year. When your claim has been approved the Canada Revenue Agency will send you a letter letting you know if and when you need to re-apply.
Do I have to claim the credit on my taxes each year?
Yes, you must claim the credit for each year that you are eligible.
Are behavioural problems like FAS and ADD eligible for the tax credit?
There is no impairment, be it physical or mental that is ineligible for the Disability Tax Credit on the basis of a diagnosis alone. It is the impairment’s severity and duration that are key issues.
How long does it take to get approval?
Processing time can vary greatly. It is the Canada Revenue Agency’s goal to complete a claim within 16 weeks.
What is the difference between Canada Pension Disability and the Disability tax credit?
Canada Pension Plan disability is a monthly income, while the Disability Tax Credit is a tax credit applied to your annual tax return. Another major difference is that Canada Pension Plan states that you must not be able to work to qualify. Employment is not an issue with the Disability Tax Credit.
I am eligible for Canada Pension Disability. Will I automatically qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?
No, not necessarily. The two federal programs have different criterion for eligibility. The Canada Pension Plan disability and Disability Tax Credit programs are separate and offered by two separate departments of the Federal Government. Canada Pension Plan Disability is claimed through Services Canada the Disability Tax Credit is claimed through the Revenue Canada Agency.
How does a refund from the Disability Tax Credit affect other claims?
The refund is not income, and should not affect other claims. You may have claims, for example, from Canada Pension Plan, a private insurance company and the Disability Tax Credit.
What happens if I die before my claim is processed?
The claim continues to be processed. Any refund generated from the credit goes to your estate.
If your question is not answered here, please contact us directly and we'd be happy to help you.