Relevé 31 & Quebec's Solidarity Tax Credit — How To Claim When Filing Your Income Tax
The cost of living in Canada has been steadily rising, impacting Canadians' budgets and financial stability.
Now, as tax season approaches, many are hoping to find some financial relief. One option, in particular, available to Quebec residents is the solidarity tax credit, which is designed to help individuals based on their income and circumstances — a welcome boost for those struggling to swim the rough waters of today's economy.
To qualify for the credit, you must meet certain criteria, including being a Quebec resident. This is why it's also important to have your Relevé 31 (RL-31) on hand if you're a tenant in Quebec. This document will enable you to claim the solidarity tax credit on your income tax return.
The Relevé 31 slip provides details regarding a leased dwelling, including information about rent payments due or paid by December 31. It is submitted to Revenu Québec by the owner of the rental property.
Tenants or subtenants of the leased dwelling will automatically receive a copy of this slip by February 29, 2024. If you haven't received it by then, contact your landlord, as it is mandatory for them to supply RL-31 slips for tax purposes.
With that being said, here is everything you need to know about Quebec's solidarity tax credits, who is eligible, how to claim it and how much you can potentially receive.
What is the Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit?
The solidarity tax credit serves as a refundable tax benefit aimed at aiding low- and middle-income households.
The credit amount for the period spanning from July 2023 to June 2024 is determined by your circumstances as of December 31, 2022, emphasizing the importance of your situation at year-end.
The solidarity tax credit applies particularly to single people earning less than $61,500 as of December 31, 2023. In fact, the same applies to single-parent families, who must earn an additional $2,517 per dependent child to qualify.
Who is eligible for Quebec solidarity tax credit?
According to Revenu Quebec, you might qualify for the solidarity tax credit for the period spanning from July 2023 to June 2024 if you met the following conditions as of December 31, 2022:
- You were either 18 years old or older. If you were under 18, you met one of the following criteria:
- You were married.
- You were a parent of a child who resided with you.
- You were legally recognized as an emancipated minor by an authorized entity, such as a court.
- You were a resident of Québec.
- Either you or your spouse was:
- A Canadian citizen.
- A permanent resident or protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- A temporary resident or held a temporary resident permit under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and had resided in Canada for the preceding 18 months.
How is solidarity tax calculated?
You can use the payment estimator to get an idea of the amounts (quarterly or monthly, depending on your situation) that could be paid into your bank account on the government agency's website.
As a general rule, you must be registered for direct deposit to benefit from this tax break.
The Relevé 31, which is a way for the government to know which dwellings are occupied on the territory, also influences the calculation of the amount to which you may be entitled.
The solidarity tax credit for July 2023 to June 2024 depends on your situation as of December 31, 2022. Revenu Quebec calculates your credit by combining amounts from three components:
- The housing component
- The QST component
- The component for individuals residing in northern villages
It's important to note that your total entitlement might decrease based on your family income.
Furthermore, for an estimation of the tax credit you may receive, use the Solidarity Tax Credit Payments Estimator.
How much can I receive through the Quebec solidarity tax credit?
The maximum amount of the solidarity tax credit for a single person living alone will increase from $1,162 to $1,221, marking a $59 difference.
The work premium for a couple with one child will experience a boost from $3,685 to $3,873, resulting in a $189 increase.
Individuals receiving social assistance as single recipients will witness a substantial rise in their annual basic benefits, climbing from $8,700 to $9,144, marking a significant increase of $444.
Can students claim solidarity tax credit?
Yes. Students in Quebec can claim the solidarity tax credit.
In fact, Revenu Quebec has laid out several tax credits and deductions that students in Quebec are eligible to claim, including the tax credit for tuition or exam fees, tax credit for interest paid on a student loan, moving expenses, and any repayment of a scholarship, bursary or similar financial assistance.
How to claim Quebec solidarity tax credit
According to Revenu Quebec, to qualify for the solidarity tax credit, you need to file your income tax return and fulfill all relevant requirements.
Once that is done, it's essential to complete Schedule D to ensure you receive the full amount of each component of the solidarity tax credit. Failure to fill out Schedule D if you're eligible for the credit means you'll only get the basic amount of the QST component and the spousal amount, if applicable.
Typically, being registered for direct deposit is necessary to receive the solidarity tax credit.
More about claiming the Quebec solidarity tax credit
When is solidarity tax credit paid out?
The frequency of payment for the credit depends on its amount:
- If the credit is $240 or less, it will be paid as a lump sum in July 2023.
- If the credit is more than $241 but less than $799, it will be paid in quarterly installments in July and October 2023, and January and April 2024.
- If the credit is $800 or more, it will be paid in monthly installments from July 2023 to June 2024 (usually on the fifth day of every month).
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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