The basic personal amount (BPA) is a non-refundable tax credit that can be claimed by all individuals. The purpose of the BPA is to provide a full reduction and exemption from federal income tax to all individuals with taxable income below the BPA. It also provides a partial reduction to taxpayers with taxable income above the BPA.

Basic personal amount

Notice to the reader

This measure has received Royal Assent.

On December 9, 2019, the Government tabled a Notice of Ways and Means Motion that proposes to amend the Income Tax Act to increase the basic personal amount to $15,000 by 2023. The increase would be phased in starting in 2020.

Employers and payers who need time to implement these changes should refer to Question 7.

Question and answers

 
  • 1. What is the basic personal amount?

    The basic personal amount (BPA) is a non-refundable tax credit that can be claimed by all individuals. The purpose of the BPA is to provide a full reduction from federal income tax to all individuals with taxable income below the BPA. It also provides a partial reduction to taxpayers with taxable income above the BPA.

    A non-refundable tax credit reduces what you may owe. However if your total non-refundable tax credits are more than what you owe, you will not get a refund for the difference

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