Q. My ex-husband and I have shared custody of our children. We agreed that I would receive the GST and Child Tax Benefit. Will I receive less money next year?
— Jackie, Newmarket
A. Starting July 2011, payments such as GST, Child Tax Benefit and Universal Child Care Benefit will be affected by new legislation. Both parents would qualify to receive payments on a six-month rotational basis. Canada Revenue Agency’s position is that both parents who share custody and responsibility for a child should also share the benefits.
A shared-custody parent who wishes to receive benefits must complete form RC66 with a letter detailing the custody arrangements.
– Henry Choo Chong, CGA, can be reached at choochonghcga@yahoo.ca and 416-485-5225.
