How to File Taxes Without a SIN or With an Expired One
Filing taxes is a complicated process, especially if you don't have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). However, not having a SIN doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t expected to file your taxes for the year. In fact, even some non-residents of Canada, such as international students, are still obligated to file their taxes.
Luckily, it is possible to file a tax return without a SIN or with a temporary SIN that’s expired.
In this blog, we will provide you with practical steps on how to file taxes without a SIN or with an expired SIN, ensuring you stay compliant.
Do I Need to File Taxes if I Don’t Have a SIN Number?
Yes, if you have tax obligations, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will expect you to file even if you don’t have a SIN number. Please note that without a SIN number, you cannot file your taxes electronically. Not filing could result in penalties, interest charges, and stop you from receiving any applicable tax benefits or credits.
Can I File Taxes if My SIN Number’s Expired?
Yes, the CRA will expect you to file your taxes even if your temporary SIN number has expired. Note that because you don’t have a valid SIN number, you can’t file your taxes electronically. Keep reading to learn how to file your taxes when your temporary SIN card has expired.
How to File Taxes Without a SIN Number or With an Expired SIN in Canada
Regardless of if you have an expired SIN or don’t have a SIN at all, the process for filing your taxes will be largely the same. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing your taxes without a SIN number in Canada:
Apply for a SIN Number
If you are at all eligible for a SIN card, you must apply for one as soon as possible. If you are ineligible and Service Canada cannot issue a SIN card to you, you can request an Individual Tax Number for identification purposes.
Apply for an Individual Tax Number (ITN)
Typically, you can apply for an individual tax number (ITN) if you are a non-resident or international student who needs to file a tax return. Your ITN is an alternative to a SIN for identification purposes, so you would insert it wherever you’d usually insert your SIN number while filing. However, you cannot use your ITN to file electronically.
You should apply as soon as possible to ensure you have an ITN issued to you before the tax deadline comes. Although, if you cannot get your ITN by then, you should still file your taxes on time (more about this below).
File Your Taxes by Paper
If you applied for a SIN or ITN and don't have it by the time you need to file, you should continue to file your taxes without it.
Since you won’t be able to file electronically, you must file your taxes by paper. You can get blank paper copies of this year’s tax return through the Canada.ca website or by contacting the CRA through phone.
If you don’t have a SIN or ITN, leave the “SIN” section blank. Attach another paper which explains why your return does not have a SIN number (ex. I have yet to receive my SIN from Service Canada). Call the CRA for assistance if needed.
Ask a Tax Professional for Help
Having issues with your SIN number can make doing your taxes significantly more complicated. If you’re concerned about filing your taxes incorrectly and facing penalties from the CRA — we recommend reaching out to one of our professional tax planners.
Our trusted Kitchener-Waterloo tax planners can ensure you file your taxes according to CRA guidelines. Not only that, but we can develop a personalized tax strategy that minimizes your tax liability, allowing you to keep more of your money legally.
How Do I Know What My Canadian Tax Obligations Are?
If you don’t have a SIN number, you may be wondering what your tax obligations are.
The CRA generally considers you a resident of Canada for tax purposes when:
You have a home in Canada.
You have a spouse, partner, or dependents in Canada.
You are in Canada for more than 183 days in the year.
You have a Canadian driver’s license, passport, or are eligible for provincial health insurance.
The types of tax obligations you have will ultimately depend on your residency status. The CRA considers you either a factual resident, deemed resident, or non-resident for tax purposes.
Factual Resident
A factual resident of Canada is someone who doesn’t meet the traditional criteria of a Canadian resident but is still considered a resident for tax purposes. You’ll often be considered a factual resident if you have spent a significant amount of time in Canada and have significant ties to the country (spouse/dependents in Canada, Canadian bank accounts.etc).
You still could be considered a factual resident even if you live outside of Canada for parts of the year.
The tax obligations of a factual resident of Canada:
Factual residents need to file a tax return with the CRA.
Factual residents need to report worldwide income on their tax return (like a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
Deemed Resident
A deemed resident is someone who doesn’t have significant residential ties to Canada (like a factual resident would) but still spends 183+ days of the year in Canada. The 183+ days do not have to be consecutive. Even if you don’t intend to live in Canada, you are still expected to submit a tax return if you fulfill this criteria.
The tax obligations of a deemed resident of Canada:
Deemed residents need to file a tax return with the CRA.
Deemed residents need to report worldwide income on their tax return.
Non-Resident
A non-resident is someone who is not considered a resident of Canada for tax purposes. They have no significant ties to Canada, and stay in Canada for more than 183 days in the year.
The tax obligations of a non-resident of Canada:
Non-residents only need to file a tax return for income earned via Canadian sources.
If you are unsure of what your residency status is, you can ask the CRA to help determine your status so you can file your taxes accurately.
