Low-income people and families

Yes. You can use free software from some developers but must meet certain conditions. Check the developer’s website before using the software to make sure it fits your tax situation.

See “Software Authorized for Filing the 2023 Personal Income Tax Return—Individuals” for a list of authorized and free software.

This program provides financial assistance to low-income people and families who use the bulk of their budget on housing. Under the program, for the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, you can get up to $170 per month if one of the following applies:

• You live alone and are 50 or over.
• You are a couple without children and one of you is 50 or over.
• You are a couple with one child.
• You are a single-parent family with one or two children.
• You are a couple with two or more children.
• You are a single-parent family with three or more children.

Note that your family income must not exceed a certain amount. Whether you’re a tenant, owner or boarder, the shelter allowance program can help!

You can apply:

• by using the quick and easy service in My Account for individuals; or
• by filing a Shelter Allowance Application (form LEX-165-V).

You must:

• be 18 or over
• live in Québec
• be a Canadian citizen or have a recognized residency status 

• have direct deposit

• file a tax return

However, if your family income is at or above the maximum, you may not receive the credit even if you meet the requirements.

To calculate the solidarity tax credit, we add up the amounts you’re entitled to under each of the three components:

• the QST component
• the housing component
• the component for individuals living in a northern village

The result may be reduced on the basis of your family income.

For an estimate of your payments, use the calculator on our website.

The only way to make sure you get the full amount of each component of the solidarity tax credit you’re eligible for is to file your tax return, along with Schedule D, and sign up for direct deposit. If you’re eligible for the credit but don’t complete Schedule D, you’ll only get the basic amount of the QST component.

If you rent or sublet an eligible dwelling, you’ll need an RL-31 slip (that your landlord will give you) to complete Schedule D and get the amount of the housing component you’re eligible for.

Yes, but no later than four years following the end of the taxation year used to calculate the credit for the period in question. For example, if you forgot to claim the credit when you did your taxes for 2020 (for the period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022), you have until December 31, 2024, to claim it.

You must meet the basic conditions, and your work income for the year must be greater than $2,400 or $3,600, depending on whether or not you had a spouse. There is also a limit on family income based on your situation (single person, childless couple, couple with one or more children or single parent).

The only way to make sure you get the full amount of the work premium you’re eligible for is to file your tax return and Schedule P. You can also apply for advance payments. Go to our website to find out how and see the documents you need to enclose with your return.

There are four ways to sign up:

• Use the online services in My Account for individuals.
• Register through your financial institution’s website (if available).
• Enclose a voided cheque with your name and social insurance number on it with your tax return.
• File form LM-3-V, Request for Direct Deposit, or enclose it with your tax return.