The 90% rule for Canadian newcomers determines eligibility for full tax credits, stating that if 90% or more of your income for the part of the year you werent a resident came from Canadian sources, or if you had zero income during that period, you can claim full non-refundable tax credits like the Basic Personal Amount; otherwise, these credits are prorated (adjusted) based on the number of days you lived in Canada that year. How the Rule Works Meeting the Rule: You qualify for full credits if, for the portion of the year before becoming a Canadian resident: 90% or more of your total net income came from Canadian sources. OR you had no foreign or Canadian-source income at all during that pre-residency period. Not Meeting the Rule: If you earned DocHub foreign income (less than 90% Canadian) before moving, your non-refundable tax credits (like the Basic Personal Amount) will be reduced proportionally to your days of Canadian residency. Why It Matters Tax Credits: This rule affects your ability to claim credits that lower your taxes, such as the Basic Personal Amount (BPA). Proration: If you dont meet the rule, you get a smaller portion of the credit, calculated as (Days in Canada / 365) * Full Credit Amount. Example Jane immigrates in May. If she had substantial foreign income before May and less than 90% of her total income (before May) was Canadian, her tax credits will be prorated for the days she lived in Canada. Key Takeaway for Newcomers Be aware of your income sources for the entire tax year, especially the period before you moved, as it impacts your initial tax credits. Note: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has slightly updated its interpretation recently, affecting scenarios where newcomers declared zero income before moving, but the core principle of prorating credits if the 90% condition isnt met remains.. AI can make mistakes, so double-check responsesThe 90% rule for newcomers to Canada - AcomptaxApr 4, 2020 If your Canadian income represents more than 90% of your worldwide income (Canada + Previous country of residency), youAcomptaxNew to Canada? Welcome! Here Are Some Tax BreaksJul 28, 2023 If youve lived in Canada for only part of the year, that amount is adjusted to match the percentage of the year you wTurboTax Canada