Child Tax Calculator Ontario 2018

Use this Ontario Child Tax Benefit calculator to determine your 2018 tax credit amount. The Ontario government provides this non-refundable credit to help families with the cost of raising children. The calculator accounts for the maximum benefit, your family size, and your income level.

How the Ontario Child Tax Benefit Works

The Ontario Child Tax Benefit (OCTB) is a provincial tax credit designed to assist families with the costs of raising children. It's non-refundable, meaning it reduces the amount of tax you owe rather than providing a direct payment.

The benefit is calculated based on your family's income and the number of eligible children. The maximum credit is $1,000 per child for the 2018 tax year.

Important: The Ontario Child Tax Benefit was replaced by the Ontario Child Benefit in 2019. This calculator is for historical reference only.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Ontario Child Tax Benefit in 2018, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a resident of Ontario
Have at least one eligible child
File a tax return for the 2018 tax year
Meet the income requirements (see calculation details below)

Eligible children include your biological, adopted, and stepchildren, as well as children you are legally responsible for.

Calculation Details

The Ontario Child Tax Benefit is calculated using the following formula:

Child Tax Benefit = (Maximum Benefit per Child × Number of Eligible Children) × (1 - (Net Income ÷ Phase-Out Threshold))

Where:

Maximum Benefit per Child = $1,000 (2018 amount)
Phase-Out Threshold = $100,000 (2018 amount)
Net Income = Your family's net income for the year

The benefit phases out completely when your net income reaches $100,000. For incomes below $100,000, you receive the full benefit.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Single Parent with One Child

Family details:

Number of eligible children: 1
Net income: $40,000

Calculation:

Child Tax Benefit = ($1,000 × 1) × (1 - ($40,000 ÷ $100,000)) = $1,000 × 0.6 = $600

Example 2: Family with Two Children

Family details:

Number of eligible children: 2
Net income: $80,000

Calculation:

Child Tax Benefit = ($1,000 × 2) × (1 - ($80,000 ÷ $100,000)) = $2,000 × 0.2 = $400

Example 3: High-Income Family

Family details:

Number of eligible children: 3
Net income: $120,000

Calculation:

Child Tax Benefit = ($1,000 × 3) × (1 - ($120,000 ÷ $100,000)) = $3,000 × 0 = $0

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Ontario Child Tax Benefit different from the federal Child Tax Benefit?: The Ontario Child Tax Benefit is a provincial credit that provides additional support beyond the federal Child Tax Benefit. The provincial benefit has a higher maximum amount and different income thresholds.
Can I claim the Ontario Child Tax Benefit if I'm self-employed?: Yes, you can claim the benefit if you meet the eligibility requirements. You'll need to report your self-employment income on your tax return.
Do I need to file a tax return to claim the Ontario Child Tax Benefit?: Yes, you must file a tax return for the 2018 tax year to claim the benefit. Even if you don't owe any tax, you may still be eligible for credits.
Can I claim the Ontario Child Tax Benefit for a child who is no longer living with me?: No, the child must be living with you for at least six months of the year to be eligible for the benefit.
How do I apply for the Ontario Child Tax Benefit?: You don't need to apply separately for the Ontario Child Tax Benefit. It's automatically calculated when you file your tax return. Make sure to include all eligible children on your return.