Hey everyone, just wanted to share something that caught me off guard early on as a new immigrant. I didn’t have kids, so I assumed I wouldn’t need any special forms for GST/HST credits. But turns out, even without children, you might still need to file RC151 if you're claiming the GST/HST credit and other related benefits.

The CRA makes it clear that eligibility isn’t just about having kids. If you’re a low- or middle-income individual who’s newly arrived in Canada, you could still qualify for the basic GST/HST credit, the additional amount, and possibly the Canada Workers Benefit — all of which require proper documentation.

The key is your arrival date and reporting your worldwide income. If you didn’t file RC151 when you first became a resident, you might miss out on credits you’re entitled to. I’ve seen people get confused because they thought RC66 (for kids) was the only form needed, but RC151 is separate and applies to everyone.

So here’s what I’m wondering: How many of you filed RC151 right after landing? Did you get a notice from CRA asking for it later? And what was the biggest hurdle — figuring out the income reporting, the arrival date, or just knowing it existed in the first place?

If you're new to Canada and haven't filed yet, or just want to double-check your status, let’s hear from you — what’s your situation with CRA forms? Did you get help from a tax pro, or go it alone? Share your experience so we can all stay on track.