Consolidation of Caregiver Credits

Starting in 2017 Revenue Canada has consolidated the Caregiver Credits (infirm dependant, caregiver – in-home care of a relative & family caregiver credits) into the Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC). You may be able to claim this non-refundable tax credit if you have a spouse, common-law partner, minor child or eligible relative who is dependent on you because of mental or physical infirmity.

With this new consolidation there will be some changes. The CCC will be based on 2 amounts, a higher amount of maximum $6883 & a lower amount plus top ups, depending on dependant’s net income & your relationship to them determines which amount you may claim

You are no longer able to make a claim for a relative over 65 years of age that lives with you if they do not have a mental or physical infirmity, but you may be able to claim the amount for an eligible dependant.

Other than this restriction, claims under the new credit will generally remain the same as prior years, subject to adjustments that reflect indexation. Certain claims will increase:

• Top up is being extended to claims for your infirm spouse or common-law partner
• The income threshold used to reduce the higher amount is more generous than the threshold used in previous years for an infirm dependant
• You no longer are required to live with the dependant to make the claim for CCC

For more information on the new Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC), you can visit the CRA website at www.canada.ca, give our head office a call 1-905-949-2222 Toll Free: 1-866-TAXWIDE (829-9433) or drop by your local Taxwide office & we’ll be happy to answer any questions.