How does Solution One get paid?

Our company charges a flat fee based on the number of adjustments required. This distinguishes us from other companies that charge up to 30% of your refund. See Our Fee Example.

Can I file the DTC myself?

Absolutely. Like most government programs, they are designed to allow you to complete them on your own. As with your income tax return, you can file it yourself or have it completed by a professional. Of course, we are a little biased; we work in this field daily and it is our job to maximize your refund while making sure there are no flags raised for CRA.

How long does it take to get my refund?

Most clients will receive their Disability Tax Credit refund in less then 90 days. Some of the refund years can be electronically transmitted. These e-filed adjustments can arrive as soon as 2 weeks. There are some cases that can take longer – up to 6 months depending on CRA’s backlog.

How do I get the money?

CRA either sends you a cheque or Direct Deposits your refund. We can assist you to setup a Direct Deposit if that is your preference.

Why didn’t my accountant or the Government tell me about the Disability Tax Credit?

Your Accountant does not specialize in this area of work. We see this everyday. A new client comes to our office and, after asking some questions, we end up recommending the Disability Tax Credit to them. They are usually shocked that they didn’t know or weren’t told about this before. Most of the claims our office processes (80%-90%) cover 10 years. This is a result of accountants or tax preparers not asking the right questions. As for the Government, they do announce their programs; they don’t have the resources to inform every Canadian about each program. So it’s up to you or your representative to get the appropriate information.

Will this affect my eligibility for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)?

No. This has no effect on your eligibility for ODSP.

If the disabled person is deceased, can a family member still apply for this credit/refund?

Yes. As long as the person has not been deceased longer than ten years.

What if I owe money to the CRA or other government programs?

The CRA will first pay off your debts and then send you the balance.

My doctor said I don’t qualify as disabled, is he correct?

Not always. Your doctor is trained in the area of medicine and is generally not an expert when it comes to the Disability Tax Credit or the tax rules. Also note that what your doctor considers a disability doesn’t usually apply to the Disability Tax Credit.

I am not severely disabled; can I still apply for the Disability Tax Credit and related credits/benefits?

Yes. If you or someone you know applied in the past and were turned down, it may be a different situation today. CRA rules have changed. In the past you needed to be in a wheelchair or to have some other severe disability to qualify; today CRA has deemed eligible many conditions that were previously not accepted.

I do not have any taxable income because of my disability. Do I still qualify?

Yes. Eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit is not determined by your annual taxable income. The Disability Tax Credit can be transferred to supporting family members to reduce their taxes payable. Other benefits include:

• Qualifying for the RDSP;
• The Disability Tax Credit exempts you from the “first time home buyer” requirement to use your RRSP for the Home Buyers’ Plan;
• The Child Tax Benefit is increased by the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) for children who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit;
• New for 2009, the Home Buyer Credit Amount of $5,000 is available for the purchase of a home for people with disabilities;
• Renovations to a home inhabited by a person with a disability may be claimed as a medical expense; and
• If your working income is low you may qualify for the WITB disability supplement.

How much can I potentially get?

This of course varies with every client. A basic Disability Tax Credit (DTC) claim for an Adult able to claim back 10 years can be as much as $14,000; for a child, as much as $22,000. Recently we completed some work for a family of four. One spouse and two children were eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Not all were eligible to go back the full 10 years, but by the time we were finished the DTC & Child Disability Benefit (CDB), credits amounted to over $70,000 in refunds. They also receive an extra $4,000 in CDB as long as the children qualify and $7,000 of tax savings annually. Not bad for a family that knew nothing about the Disability Tax Credit before coming to us.

If you have questions concerning the Disability Tax Credit, contact our office.