Seniors

There are a number of tax benefits based on your age at the end of the year. If you were 60 or over and had eligible work income, you can claim the tax credit for career extension.

Once you turn 65, you are eligible for:

• the age amount
• the deduction for retirement income transferred to a spouse
• the grant for seniors to offset a municipal tax increase

Once you turn 70, you can claim the following refundable tax credits:

• the tax credit for home-support services for seniors
• the independent living tax credit for seniors
• the senior assistance tax credit
• the tax credit for seniors’ activities

Note that conditions apply for all these tax benefits.

Once you turn 65, you are eligible for:

• the age amount
• the deduction for retirement income transferred to a spouse
• the grant for seniors to offset a municipal tax increase

Once you turn 70, you can claim the following refundable tax credits:

• the tax credit for home-support services for seniors
• the independent living tax credit for seniors
• the senior assistance tax credit
• the tax credit for seniors’ activities

If you are 60 or over and have eligible work income, you can claim the tax credit for career extension.

Note that conditions apply for all these tax measures.

For individuals aged 70 or over on December 31, 2021, the maximum amount of the senior assistance tax credit was increased from $206 to $400 in the case of an eligible individual living alone, and from $412 to $800 in the case of a couple where both partners are eligible individuals.

The senior assistance tax credit is for modest-income seniors. To be eligible, you must have been resident in Québec at the end of the year, and you or your spouse must be a Canadian citizen or have a recognized residency status. You or your spouse must also be 70 or over and file a tax return. However, you can get the credit even if you don’t claim it in your return.

The tax credit for home-support services for seniors is for people 70 or over who live in their own house or apartment or in a private seniors’ residence. It’s equal to 35% of the eligible expenses you paid in the year, though it may be reduced based on your family income. The amount of the credit, how it is calculated and the list of eligible services depend on the type of dwelling you live in.

To claim the tax credit for home-support services for seniors, complete Schedule J of your income tax return. You can also apply for advance payments based on your estimated credit for the year.

Eligible expenses include:

• housekeeping, grounds maintenance and snow removal
• help with dressing and personal hygiene
• some meal services
• nursing services

To be eligible, you must have met the following requirements at the end of the year:

• You were 60 or over.
• You were resident in Québec.
• Your eligible work income was over $5,000.

The amount of the tax credit is based on your eligible work income. To calculate it, complete form TP-752.PC-V, Tax Credit for Career Extension, and file it with your tax return.

Your eligible work income must be over $5,000. Generally speaking, eligible work income is gross employment income and net business income. For workers age 60 to 64, the limit on eligible work income is $10,000, for a maximum tax credit of $1,500. For workers age 65 or over, the limit is $11,000, for a maximum tax credit of $1,650. The tax credit may be reduced if your eligible work income is above a certain threshold.

Yes. At 65, you’ll be automatically registered for the public prescription drug insurance plan. However, if you’re still eligible for basic prescription drug coverage under a private plan (contact your insurer to find out), you can choose to cancel your registration for the public plan. If your private insurance only provides complimentary coverage, you’ll still have to pay a premium for the public plan.

If you were 65 or over at the end of the year and you have a spouse who is eligible (regardless of their age), the two of you can jointly decide to include up to 50% of your eligible retirement income in your spouse’s income. To make the transfer, complete Schedule Q of your tax return.

Even if you have no income to report or income tax to pay, you should file a tax return to take advantage of programs and tax benefits.