Taxes & finances

Last reviewed March 2024 by the Clicklaw editors

It’s natural to have questions when doing taxes, managing your finances, or applying for benefits or income assistance (welfare).

Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.  

Selected resources

Click on a topic to see a list of resources.

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Paying Income Tax

People’s Law School
Helps you understand your tax return and how income taxes work, including who has to pay and what income is not taxable. It explains the deadline for filing, and explains what tax information you need. It links to a tool to estimate your income tax obligation. It also provides information on what you can do if you disagree with your assessment.
Last reviewed April 2024
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Taxes When You Retire or Turn 65 Years Old

Canada Revenue Agency
Provides tax information that may affect you when you retire, including the types of income you might receive, as well as deductions and credits you can claim.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Canada Revenue Agency
The Canada child benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under 18 years old. The CCB might include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Your Bank Account: How to Deal with Problems

People’s Law School
Most of us open a bank account at some point in our lives. Learn the rights (and responsibilities) that come with having a bank account, practical tips to protect yourself, and how to work out problems.
Last reviewed April 2024
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Borrowing Money

People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step information on your legal rights and responsibilities when borrowing money. Topics include getting a payday loan, cancelling a payday loan, borrowing money from a friend or relative, co-signing or guaranteeing a loan, lending someone money, and student loans.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Credit Reports

People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step information on credit reports. Topics include ordering your credit report, who has access to your credit report, fixing a mistake on your credit report, improving your credit score, and taking charge of your credit report.
Last reviewed March 2024
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If You Invest and Something Goes Wrong

People’s Law School
Explains your rights and steps you can take if you invest and things go sideways. Topics include what problems can arise when you invest, hiring an investment advisor, and the differences between investing in a public or a private company.
Last reviewed April 2024
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Trusts

Government of British Columbia
Explains how trusts work for those who are receiving disability assistance, or accommodation or care in a private hospital or a special care facility. Includes information on types of trusts, how to set up trusts, trust payments, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
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The Disability Tax Credit

Disability Alliance BC
This help sheet explains the Disability Tax Credit, a prerequisite for people who want to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). This help sheet is part of a series on BC’s disability benefits.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Filing Income Taxes for People Receiving PWD/PPMB

Disability Alliance BC
As part of Disability Alliance BC’s Tax AID BC program, they have produced a help sheet that describes how people receiving provincial disability benefits in BC can prepare and submit an income tax return for free over the internet.
Last reviewed March 2024
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RDSP: How to Get It (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Plan Institute
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan specific for people with disabilities. This guide is to help you complete each of the steps needed to (1) become eligible for an RDSP, (2) open an RDSP, and (3) manage your money.
Last reviewed March 2024
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RDSP Tutorial

Plan Institute
This online tutorial helps you learn about Canada’s Registered Disability Savings Plan. It consists of four chapters: about RDSP, getting started, opening RDSP, and other info. Each chapter has a list of questions or topics that you can navigate to directly.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Child Disability Benefit

Canada Revenue Agency
Explains what the child disability benefit is, who can receive it, how to apply for it, how it’s calculated, and what the tax implications are.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Disability Tax Credit Tool

Disability Alliance BC
The Canadian Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can help reduce the taxes you or someone who supports you owe, and offers other great benefits. To apply, your health care provider needs to fill out the DTC Certificate (form T2201). This tool is designed to give them the info they need from you so they can fill out that form.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Taxes and Tax Credits

Government of British Columbia
Personal and general tax information for BC residents. Includes information about the provincial sales tax (PST), homeowner grant, property transfer tax, sales taxes, income taxes, property taxes, natural resource taxes, insurance taxes, tax audits, rulings and appeals, eTaxBC, and tax changes.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Taxes and Benefits for Indigenous Peoples

Canada Revenue Agency
This website has information about tax benefits and requirements that apply to Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are subject to the same tax rules as other Canadian residents unless their income is eligible for the tax exemption under section 87 of the Indian Act.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Financial Rights and Responsibilities

Government of Canada
Information about your rights and responsibilities when dealing with a bank or a federally regulated trust, loan, or insurance company. Includes information on banking, credit cards, mortgages, credit and loans, investments, and fraud.
Last reviewed March 2024
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BC Employment & Assistance Policy & Procedure Manual

Government of British Columbia
One-stop source of information for all BC Employment and Assistance policies, procedures, and programs. Includes case administration, application and intake, eligibility, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation, support and shelter, supplements, hardship assistance, employment programs, appeal, and compliance.
Last reviewed March 2024