Tax credits
Net income
Your total income minus specific deductions on your tax return, before some benefit-related adjustments.
Many benefits use net income or a related adjusted amount, not gross pay alone.
Where you may see this
Line 23600 of the T1 General and CRA income summaries.
The exact definition and rules can differ by program. Check the official rules for the benefit you are applying for.
Related terms
Tax credits
Adjusted family net income (AFNI)
The income amount the government uses to calculate many income-tested benefits. It starts with family net income and applies specific adjustments from your tax return.
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Benefit year vs tax year
Your tax year is the calendar year on your return; many benefits use a July to June benefit year based on an earlier tax year.
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Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
A refundable tax credit for low-income workers, with additional amounts for eligible families and people with disabilities.
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Disability amount (tax credit)
A non-refundable tax credit on your return when you are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
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Family net income
The combined net income of you and your spouse or common-law partner, used to test eligibility for many family benefits.
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