Exciting news awaits Quebec families as the holiday season approaches! On November 7, 2019, the provincial government economic unveiled its plan to distribute the budget surplus directly to its residents, turning it into a generous gift. So, what’s in store? Brace yourselves, Quebecers, as the government has committed to redistributing a minimum of $3.3 billion over the next five years. If you’re a resident, get ready for a significant windfall coming your way. It’s time for some serious cha-ching!
Understanding Quebec’s New Changes: Who, How Much, and When?
Say goodbye to costly childcare expenses. The Quebec government has reintroduced a previous measure, implementing a single reduced rate for subsidized childcare services starting this year for 2019 tax returns. This means that approximately 140,000 families will save an average of $1,100 annually. But that’s not all! The reduction will be retroactively applied from the beginning of 2019, resulting in more money back in your pocket when you file your taxes.
Economic Unveiled: Equal treatment is another significant change.
The government has accelerated the enhancement of the Family Allowance, which was originally scheduled for 2022. Starting in the new year, nearly 679,000 families will receive an additional average of $779 per year. Currently, the minimum amount per child is $1,000, and the maximum Family Allowance paid to parents will increase to $2,515 per child, up from $1,735. Furthermore, benefits will be equal for all children within the same family, eliminating the need for preferential treatment.
Support for disabled children is also a priority.
The government announced the addition of a second tier of assistance to the supplement for disabled children requiring exceptional care. This means that those who previously didn’t qualify will now receive an additional monthly payment of $652, while more severely disabled children who qualify under the first tier will receive $978. It’s important to note that this assistance will be paid separately from the tax return.
Changes have been made to the solidarity tax credit as well.
If you belong to a low or middle-income family, pay close attention. Previously, taxpayers had to file a tax return to receive the solidarity tax credit. However, this requirement has been waived for social assistance recipients who did not file their 2018 tax return by December 2018. While this is good news, there’s a catch. Each adult will now only receive the basic amount of $292 for the period from July 2019 to June 2020, which will be paid at the end of this period.
Additionally, there are other supplementary amounts that you’ll only be eligible for if you file a tax return, including the $139 additional amount for a person living alone, the $567 housing component, and the $1,719 component for individuals living in northern villages.