Finances

Applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to apply for a job in Canada, to file a tax return and to finalize your administrative procedures. The application process is free.  To submit your application on-line, set aside at least 45 minutes and click here.

You can also submit an application in person at:

Inverness – Service Canada Centre
15932 Central Avenue
Inverness, Nova Scotia
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm
Service languages: English, French

Opening a Bank Account

To open a bank account in the Chéticamp region, you can contact

You will have to provide two original proofs of address. Here are some examples of accepted documents:

  • A recent tax assessment notice
  • A recent bill for Canadian utilities (electricity, water, heating oil, Internet)
  • A recent bank account statement or credit card statement.

Proof of identity: Any document indicating your name and your date of birth, such as:

  • A foreign passport
  • A piece of ID issued by the Government of Canada or a Canadian province

You can also use an on-line bank such as, among others, Tangerine Wise or Simplii.

Please be aware that these on-line banks do not allow you to create a credit history, but they are an attractive option when you are first settling in because the procedures for opening an account are simpler.

You can open an account even if you are unemployed or have no money to deposit immediately. All information is found here.

Getting a Credit Card

To get a credit card, you will generally have to provide some information on your income and credit history. The specific terms and conditions may vary by bank and card type.

Advice for newcomers

  • Compare the offers and services of the different banks to find the one that best suits your needs.
  • Contact banks to get detailed information on the required documents and specific procedures.
  • Check on-line options: Some banks may require an existing account to open a new on-line account
  • If possible, do not close your credit card account in your country of origin before your arrival. Having an existing credit history may be useful.

The Importance of Improving Your Credit Rating

  • Always pay your bills on time
  • Do not use up your entire credit limit
  • Regularly check your credit report here.

You will find more information on the credit report and credit rating here.

Filing Your Tax Return

To complete your tax return, you will need the following documents:

  • Income slips:
    • T4 (employment income)
    • T4A (scholarships, CERB, pensions)
    • T5 (investment income)
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) or individual tax number (ITN) if you do not have a SIN.
  • Deductible receipts:
    • Medical expenses: all your receipts for the purchase of medication and medical equipment (including private insurance). Keep them in a safe place throughout the year (between January 1st and December 31st) because you will need to calculate your total expenditure to potentially benefit from a tax deduction.
    • Charitable donations: all supporting documents for donations made during the year. Keep them in a safe place throughout the year (between January 1st and December 31st) because you will need to calculate your total expenditure to potentially benefit from a tax deduction.
    • Childcare expenses: if you use childcare services, the childcare service will have to provide you with a tax receipt indicating the total amount paid during the year to potentially benefit from a tax deduction.
    • Student tuition fees 
  • Notice of assessment for the previous year (if applicable).

Getting paper forms

Filling Out Your Tax Return

You can complete your tax return

  • yourself using approved software
    • Advantages: Quick, received in 2 weeks, automatic calculation of credits
    • Free approved software:  NETFILE, ReFILE
  • yourself using paper forms
    • Processing time: Approximately 8 weeks.
    • Where do you send it? The address indicated on the form (varies by province).
  • by consulting an accountant
    • Harold Aucoin CPA Inc.
      Address: 15262 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
      Telephone: 902-224-0295
    • Lenora Timmons CPA CGA
      Address: 1086 Chéticamp Back Rd, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
      Telephone: 902-224-2709
      https://www.allaccountingneeds.com/
    • Aucoin Accounting
      Address: 15262 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
      Telephone: 902-224-2268
  • by contacting a free tax clinic, find a clinic near you https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program.html.

Important

You must file and pay your taxes before April 30

If this is your first tax return, use free software or a volunteer tax clinic to avoid mistakes.

Here is a summary of the essential information on the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for new Francophone immigrants to Nova Scotia:

Key Information on the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Accessing the Canada Child Benefit

This is a non-taxable monthly payment made to eligible families to help them provide for their children under the age of 18. The amount depends on net family income, the age of the children and marital status. Payments are adjusted each year in July based on inflation.

Eligibility

  • You must be a Canadian tax resident.
  • You must be responsible for the care and education of a child under the age of 18.
  • You must live with the child.

For more information on the CCB application, go to https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview/canada-child-benefit-apply.html

Life in Chéticamp