Students

Generally speaking, you'll be eligible for the solidarity tax credit if you've got a low income. You most also:

• be 18 or over
• live in Québec
• be a Canadian citizen or have a recognized residency status
• file your taxes
• sign up for direct deposit

Yes. There are three components to the solidarity tax credit:

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

Since you don’t have to be eligible for all three components, you can receive the QST component and the component for individuals living in a Northern village even if you live with your parents.

Yes. However, to get the maximum amount of each component of the solidarity tax credit, you also need file Schedule D and sign up for direct deposit. If you’re eligible for the credit but don’t file Schedule D, you’ll only get the basic amount of the QST component.

Yes. Even if you had no income, it’s best to file a tax return. That way you can claim, carry forward or transfer tax credits such as:

• the solidarity tax credit
• the tax credit for tuition or examination fees
• the tax credit for interest paid on a student loan

Yes. You must have paid at least $100 in tuition or examination fees for 2021. To claim the tax credit for tuition or examination fees, carry it forward or transfer it to someone else, complete Schedule T of your income tax return.

Eligible expenses include:

• registration, admission and confirmation fees paid to an educational institution
• tuition fees
• co-op fees

Yes. However, since scholarships are non-taxable in Québec, you can claim a deduction for scholarships, bursaries and similar financial assistance on line 295 of your tax return.

Student loan payments aren’t deductible, but you can deduct interest paid on a student loan or carry it forward by completing Schedule M when you do your taxes.