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Writer's pictureTaylor Vanderburgh

What Do I Need For My 2020 Taxes? Here's a Handy Checklist

It's tax season, folks. And the pandemic is only complicating things for 2020 filing.


T4A's, T5008, RRSPs - what does it all mean for you and your tax return?


Before you file, you'll need to get your numbers ready. This information is pulled from various forms, coming from different sources.


To make things easy for you, we've compiled a handy checklist outlining exactly what you need and where to get it from.



Basic Information to Get Started

First and foremost - you'll need everybody's basic information (legal name, date of birth, and most importantly, Social Insurance Number). You'll also need this for your spouse and any new dependents in 2020.


Changes to your marital status

Did you get married, legally separated or divorced in 2020? This information will determine if you will do a joint file or not.


Changes to your dependents

Did your dependents increase or decrease in 2020? Dependents include children under the age of 18.


Changes to your banking information

Did you open a new bank account this year? You certainly don't want your return going to an inactive account! If you receive your tax return via direct deposit, take a moment to modify this with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).


T4 - Statement of Remuneration Paid from your Employer

Who Needs It: Anyone who was paid by an employer in 2020

Where to Get It: Will be issued and mailed/emailed by your employer


The T4 is the most basic of forms you'll need in order to file your 2020 return. You should have received this by March 1 of this year, from your employer. It will state how much you earned, and how much CPP, EI and income tax was deducted, as well as additional benefits or commissions paid.


Some new boxes for 2020 include boxes 57-60 for remuneration paid during the early period of the pandemic.


You may receive digitally via email or a hard copy via mail.


T4E - Employment Insurance, Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), and other benefits due to the pandemic

Who Needs It: Anyone who received EI, Maternity or Parental Benefits, or any of the COVID-19 benefits including CERB

Where to Get It: Will be issued and mailed by the CRA


If you received Employment Insurance (including Parental or Maternity Benefits), you will need a copy of your T4E.


Did you receive CERB? This was the $500/week (or $2000/month) benefit that was dispersed to eligible Canadians between March 15 and September 26, 2020.


Did you receive the second round CRB (Canada Recovery Benefit), CRCB (Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, or CRSB (Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit) at $500/wk September 27, 2020 to September 25, 2021?


CERB, CRB, CRCB and CRSB will be included in your 2020 income. You'll need a copy of your T4E if you received this benefit.


T3, T5 and T5008 - Statements of Trust or Investment Income and Securities

Who Needs It: Those with investments outside of the RRSP or TFSA

Where to Get It: Will be issued by the organization or financial administrator of the company you've invested with.


If you have invested in mutual funds (not including your RRSP or TFSA), you will receive a T3 or T5 if the mutual fund earns income. Interest, dividends, and capital gains are included as this income.


If you "cashed in" on this income, you will receive a T5008 from your broker.


Closing Documents for Sales and Purchases of Residences

Who Needs It: Anyone who purchased or sold a residence in 2020

Where to Get It: Your lawyer, realtor, and filing cabinet


If you purchased or sold a home, including your principal residence, keep a copy of the Closing Documents with your tax return. You will need to report it to the CRA, even though any capital gains are considered tax-free. If you sold a secondary residence, you also must report and the capital gains will be taxable.


Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

Who Needs It: Those contributing to an RRSP

Where to Get It: From your financial institution or plan provider


If you or your spouse contribute to an RRSP, the total contributions can be deducted from your taxable income.


Business Income and Expenses

Who Needs It: Those who are self-employed

Where to Get It: Financial statements from your accountant, receipts from your filing system


If you're self-employed, you are eligible to claim business expenses. Make sure you gather this all before filing your taxes, including auto and home office expenses, and equipment purchases.


Have the following ready, if applicable:


Business Documents

Balance Sheet

Licenses and Permits

Profit and Loss

Receipts for Equipment Purchases and Dispositions

Auto Expenses

Auto Loan Interest Statements

Auto Repair and Maintenance Receipts

Fuel Receipts

Insurance Statements

Lease Payment Statements

Odometer Readings as at Jan 1, 2020 and Dec 31, 2020

Registration Fees

Home Office Expenses

Condo Fees

Home Improvement Receipts

Home Insurance Statements

Home Repairs and Maintenance

Property Taxes

Utility Bills


T776 - Statement of Real Estate Rentals

Who Needs It: Anyone with rental income from their properties

Where to Get It: From the CRA (you are responsible for completing it)


If you generate income by renting property, you will need to fill out a T776. The statement will help you calculate any expenses associated with the rental as well, including repair and maintenance costs.


Have the following ready, if applicable:

Advertising expense receipts

Bank statements showing interest and bank fees

Condo fees

Employee wages and contributions

Improvement expense receipts

Insurance statement

Landscaping bills

Licenses and permits

Management fees

Mortgage statement with interest

Office expenses

Professional fees (including legal and accounting)

Profit and Loss report

Property tax statements

Repair and maintenance cost receipts

Travel and auto receipts

Utility bills


T2202 - Tuition and Enrolment

Who Needs It: Students enrolled in courses and paying tuition

Where to Get It: From your educational institution


If you, your spouse, or dependents incurred any expenses for tuition in 2020, you'll want to include your T2202 with your return. This will be received from the qualifying educational institution you were enrolled with.


Union or Professional Dues

Who Needs It: Those who pay dues to a union or professional organization for their employment

Where to Get It: From your union or qualifying organization


If you are part of a union or other professional organization, you can deduct your union dues or membership fees. Note that you cannot claim these dues and fees if your employer pays them on your behalf.


You can find the claimable amount in box 44 of your T4. You may also receive a statement from your union or professional organization; keep a copy with your return.


T4A - Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity and Other Income

Who Needs It: Those collecting pensions, retirement allowance, annuities or other income

Where to Get It: From the payer of the income


The T4A is a catch-all slip to record any income not reported on a T4 or T4E. More than just for Canada Pension Plan or Old Age Security, it will be filed by the payer (including the government) for all kinds of income including death benefits, cash prizes, grants, and bankruptcy settlements. For a full list of income, see the CRA webpage on the T4A.


Donations and Medical Receipts

Who Needs It: Anyone who made donations or incurred medical expenses

Where to Get It: From your filing cabinet


Charitable donations are tax-deductible, as are medical expenses in excess of 3% of your income.


Childcare Expenses

Who Needs It: Anyone paying for care for dependents under 13 or disabled dependents

Where to Get It: From your care provider


If you paid for any childcare expenses in 2020, including pre-school, before or after school care, day care or summer camps, you may be eligible to deduct these from your return. Have the SIN or Business Number of the care provider handy on your receipts.


Ready to file?

If you're ready to file your 2020 tax return, take a look first at the CRA's list of all deductions, credits and expenses to find out which you can claim. This handy tool allows you to sort by category (for example, family and childcare, or disability) as well as search for provincial credits as well.

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