2014

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a valuable benefit offered by the CRA to help Canadians living with disabilities or supporting a disabled family member. Unfortunately, some third-party advisory firms have capitalized on this by charging exorbitant fees—often 20% to 30% of the full tax refund—to “assist” in the application process. These services, while appearing helpful, can be predatory, especially when clients are vulnerable and unaware they can apply themselves.

This article shares a first-hand perspective on successfully applying for the Disability Tax Credit, emphasizing the increasing accessibility of doing so through CRA’s MyAccount and updated eligibility criteria that now include a wider range of medical practitioners. It also highlights legal concerns, allegations of CRA audits, and the risk of having credits clawed back due to improperly filed claims.

The takeaway: Do not use services that charge a percentage-based fee. Either handle the application yourself or consult a reputable accountant who charges a flat rate. The article includes links to investigative reports from the Toronto Star and CBC to help readers make informed decisions and protect their refunds.