CRB & CRSB Payments Are Still Taxable Despite The 10% Deduction Up Front

You could have to pay more back! 💰
Managing Editor, Canada

It’s worth double-checking what you may owe come next year. CRB and CRSB payments are still taxable, despite the 10% deduction taken by the government up front.

Canada’s latest benefits are there to financially support Canadians who may be out of work or who may become ill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) already deducts 10% of the CRB or CRSB payments that come into your account, this doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t have to pay any additional tax on the benefits.

Editor's Choice: Canada Just Reported Its Highest Ever Single-Day Jump In New COVID-19 Cases

The 10% tax withheld at source may not be all the tax you need to pay.

Canada Revenue Agency

Like the CERB, the federal government says you may need to pay back more (or less) come tax time, depending on how much income you earned.

As part of the application process for both benefits, the government explains, “You must still report CRSB payments you receive as income when you file your personal income tax return.”

To help you do this, the CRA will send you a T4A tax information form for the amount you received in COVID-19 benefits.

When it comes to the CRB, there's a possible cap on how much you can keep, too. 

If you earn more than $38,000 in the calendar year, you’ll have to repay $0.50 of the CRB for every dollar of net income you earned above that.

"This will be due at the same time as your income tax return for the year," explains the government.

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

Canadian parents can get up to $666 next week from this August child benefit payment

With add-ons, some parents could actually get over $1,200 per child!

Canada Child Benefit payments for October go out soon and you could get over $1,200 per child

Your next CCB payment could come with a few extras — here's who's eligible. 👇

11 Air Canada jobs that pay up to $44 an hour and get you travel perks

You don't have to travel for work to get these travel perks! ✈️