2021 Individual Income Tax Return Checklist

Preparing your individual income tax return for 2021? Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you organize and streamline the process: 

Personal Information: 

• Full name (First, Middle, Last) as it appeared on the 2020 tax return. 
• Date of birth, gender, and marital status. If there were changes in marital status in 2021, provide details. 

• Complete mailing address including postal code. 
• Contact details: phone number, mobile number, and email address. 
• Information about spouse and dependents: names, SIN, birth dates, addresses, and net income of the spouse. 
• Ownership of foreign property costing over CA$100,000 in 2021. 
• Canadian citizenship status and willingness to share information with Elections Canada. 

• Details about the sale or change in use of the principal residence in 2021. 

Information Slips: 

• T4 Slips from all employers. 
• T4E for EI benefit payments. 

• T4A for Canada Recovery Benefit (COVID-19 relief payments). 
• T3 and T5 slips for bank-issued interests, dividends, and mutual funds. 
• T5008 for securities transactions. Provide cost basis if not shown. 
• T2202 for tuition and enrollment. Inform the accountant if claiming dependent’s tuition credits. 
• T4A-OS for Old Age Security, T4AP for CPP Benefits, and T4A for other pensions and annuities. 

• T5007 for social assistance payments and worker’s compensation benefits. 
• For U.S. slips like W-2 or 1099, contact the accountant for additional checklists. 

Expenses (with accompanying receipts): 

• Medical expenses list. 

• RRSP contribution receipts, including those made in early 2022. 
• Support for child, spouse, or common-law partner. 
• Professional or union dues. 
• Tool expenses for tradespersons & apprentice mechanics. 
• Other employment expenses (with T2200 declaration). 

• Charitable donations and political contributions. 
• Teacher’s school supplies expenses. 
• Home renovations for seniors and disabled. 
• Child care expenses. 
• Adoption expenses for 2021. 

• Moving expenses. 
• Interest on student loans and digital news subscriptions for 2021 
•  

Other Information: 

• 2020 Notice of Assessment/Reassessment. 

• Notices from Canada Revenue Agency. 
• Information for self-employed individuals and unincorporated businesses. 
• Rental income and expenses. 
• Foreign property details. 
• Immigration or emigration details. 

• Capital gains or sales of assets. 
• Northern residents deductions. 
• Disability Tax Credit Certificate. 
• Certifications for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers. 

Filing Options: You can choose to file your income tax return online or visit in person. 

Tax Rates for 2021: 

• Federal tax rates range from 15% to 33% based on income brackets. 
• Ontario tax rates range from 5.05% to 13.16% based on income brackets. 

• Alberta tax rates range from 10% to 15% based on income brackets. 

Dividend Gross up & Tax Credit Rates for 2021: 

• Non-Eligible Dividends: Gross up rate of 15% and various tax credit rates. 
• Eligible Dividends: Gross up rate of 38% and various tax credit rates.