Congratulations on your new baby (and your sweet new tax benefit)!

Canada child benefit and an increase to your Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

Depending on your family income, the Canada child benefit (CCB) could pay up to $8,157 per year for each child under 6 and up to $6,883 per year for each child aged 6 to 17 (July 2026 to June 2027 amounts). The payments are not taxable. In addition, many provinces and territories have similar programs.

In most provinces and territories, you apply for the CCB and the related provincial programs when you register your child's birth. If you missed this step—no judgement here—you can apply directly through the CRA.

Having children also impacts the amount of Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST/HST credit) and other provincial benefits you may receive.

If you are receiving these benefits you (and your spouse common-law partner, if applicable) must each file a tax return every year to keep receiving them.

On your tax return

Depending on your situation, you may be able to claim some of the following. Keep your receipts so you have them when it's time to file.

1. Childcare expenses. If you pay for childcare so you can work or go to school, you may be able to deduct those costs. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, the person with the lower net income usually claims the deduction.
2. Amount for an eligible dependant. If you don't have a spouse or common-law partner and support your child in a home you maintain, you may qualify for this credit. You can only claim it for one dependant, and only one person can claim it for a particular child. Child support payments and shared custody can affect who qualifies.
3. Adoption expenses. If you adopted a child under 18, eligible costs such as adoption agency fees, legal fees, and necessary travel expenses may qualify for a tax credit. Claim them in the year the adoption period ends, even if you paid some expenses in earlier years. Subtract any reimbursements, and remember that parents share the maximum claim for each child.
4. Fitness and arts activities. In some provinces and territories you may qualify for a tax credit for your kids' activities. Manitoba has fitness and children's arts amounts; Yukon has children's fitness and arts credits; Nova Scotia has a children's sports and arts credit; and Newfoundland and Labrador has a physical activity credit that covers eligible activities for the family.
5. Medical expenses. You only benefit from a medical expense tax credit if your medical expenses exceed a certain amount (tied to your income). If you have out-of-pocket medical expenses for your children you can combine them with your and your partner's expenses. One interesting thing about medical expenses is that you claim expenses from any 12-month period ending in the tax year (as long as you haven't already claimed those expenses) so you can attempt to batch them to increase your tax credit.
6. Canada caregiver amount for children under 18. You may qualify if your child has a physical or mental impairment and needs much more help with personal needs and care than other children of the same age, over a long and continuous period. The CRA may ask for a medical practitioner's statement, unless it already has an approved disability tax credit certificate for that period. This credit isn't for the everyday care all babies need.

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

An RESP helps you save for your child's education after high school. Contributions don't give you a tax deduction, but opening a plan can unlock government money for your child, even if you aren't ready to start saving yet.

• Canada Learning Bond. Eligible children from families with low incomes can receive up to $2,000 in their RESP: $500 for the first eligible year, then $100 for each additional eligible year up to age 15. You don't have to contribute anything to receive it, and you can claim amounts for earlier eligible years.
• Canada Education Savings Grant. When you do contribute, the basic grant adds 20% of the first $2,500 you put in each year, up to $500. Families with lower incomes may receive an additional grant, and unused grant room can let you catch up later. The lifetime grant limit is $7,200 per child.
• British Columbia Training and Education Savings Grant. If you and your child live in B.C., you may qualify for a one-time $1,200 RESP grant. No personal contribution is required. This one's for later: apply between your child's sixth birthday and the day before their ninth birthday.

You'll need a social insurance number for yourself and your child to open an RESP. Ask the provider to apply for the benefits your child qualifies for, and check that it offers those benefits before choosing a plan.