Tax Guide: How Quebec Residents Claim the Solidarity Tax Credit — Eligibility, Filing Rules, and Common Mistakes — CPA Firm Near You, Montreal

Introduction

The Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit is one of the most important refundable credits available to low- and middle-income residents. Yet many people in Quebec—especially newcomers, students, part-time workers, seniors, and low-income families—miss out because they misunderstand the eligibility rules or forget to file the required forms. This guide explains how the Solidarity Credit works, who qualifies, how to claim it, and how a CPA firm near you in Montreal can help you receive the maximum amount.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The Solidarity Tax Credit is administered by Revenu Québec under the Taxation Act. To qualify, residents must:
• Be 18 or older (or meet special conditions)
• Be a resident of Quebec on December 31 of the tax year
• File a Quebec TP-1 tax return
• Complete Schedule D
• Provide information about their principal residence (consent for the housing component)

The credit includes three components:

1. Housing component

2. QST component

3. Northern village component (if applicable)

Revenu Québec calculates payments automatically based on information from the TP-1 and RL-31 slips issued by landlords.

Key Court Decisions

Court rulings reinforce that Solidarity Credit eligibility is determined strictly by residency and income rules. Judges have denied claims when taxpayers failed to provide RL-31 slips or could not prove they lived at the address they claimed. Several cases confirm that filing late or not filing at all results in lost payments. Courts also emphasize that marital status changes must be reported accurately, as they impact benefits.

Why Revenu Québec Reviews Solidarity Credit Claims

Solidarity Credit files are frequently reviewed because of:
• Missing or incorrect RL-31 slips
• Address inconsistencies
• Unreported roommates or dependents
• Misreported marital status
• Mixing residential and business addresses
• Newcomers filing without residency proof
• Large variations from prior-year claims

Revenu Québec compares tax returns with landlord filings, rental records, and other databases to confirm validity.

Mackisen Strategy

At Mackisen CPA Montreal, we help clients maximize their Solidarity Credit while ensuring full compliance with Revenu Québec rules. We:
• Verify eligibility
• Correct missing or mismatched RL-31 slips
• Ensure proper residency reporting
• Update marital status and dependents
• Refile or adjust past years when credits were missed
• Respond to Revenu Québec verification requests on behalf of clients

We also integrate the Solidarity Credit with other refundable benefits such as the GST/HST Credit and Canada Workers Benefit for maximum financial return.

Real Client Experience

A client in Montreal was denied the Solidarity Credit due to a missing RL-31 from a landlord who refused to provide it. We contacted the landlord, obtained the required slip, and filed an adjustment, resulting in full credit approval. Another newcomer filed taxes but did not include housing information; we corrected the filing and recovered multiple months of missed payments.

Common Questions

Who qualifies for the Solidarity Credit?

Any Quebec resident 18 or older with a validly filed TP-1 return and proper RL-31 proof of residence (if renting).

Do homeowners qualify?

Yes. Homeowners do not need an RL-31; they simply declare ownership on Schedule D.

What if my landlord refuses to give me an RL-31?

Revenu Québec can compel the landlord to issue it. We can help request it.

Can I claim missed Solidarity Credits from previous years?

Yes. Adjustments can be filed for past years to recover missed amounts.

Why Mackisen

With more than 35 years of combined CPA experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal helps Quebec residents stay fully compliant while maximizing their refundable credits. Whether you are a renter, homeowner, newcomer, or low-income worker, our expert team ensures accuracy, transparency, and full protection from audit risk.