1.11 What is the OAS tax credit? What is the Claw back? How is it calculated? Why does it exist?

The Old Age Security (OAS) tax credit is a monthly payment available to Canadians aged 65 or older. It is funded from the general tax revenues of the Government of Canada (you do not pay directly into it) and exists to assist low-income seniors. To qualify, you must be:

• 65 or older
• A Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved
• A Canadian citizen or legal resident on the day prior to leaving Canada, if you no longer live in the country
• Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since your 18^th birthday to receive OAS in Canada
• Have lived in Canada for at least 20 years since your 18^th birthday to receive OAS outside of Canada

From January to March 2020, the OAS maximum monthly payment amount regardless of your marital status is $613.53. Further details regarding the payments can be found at: Article – “Old Age Security payment amounts” (Author: Government of Canada)

OAS Claw back

If your worldwide income exceeds the minimum threshold amount (see table below), you must repay either a portion of your OAS pension, or the entire amount. After the maximum threshold amount, you are no longer eligible to receive the OAS pension.

To calculate the claw back amount, you take the difference between your income and the minimum threshold and multiply this amount by 15%.

References and Resources

• Income Tax Act, RSC 1985, c1, (5th Supp.) s 180.2
• Article – “Old Age Security – Overview (Author: Government of Canada)
• Article – “Old Age Security payment amounts” (Author: Government of Canada)
• Article – “Old Age Security pension recovery tax” (Author: Government of Canada)