Retroactive Disability Tax Credit Calculator
The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit, meaning your refund is based on your taxable income, or that of a supporting family member/spouse. It is retroactive up to the last 10 years, so your refunds are based upon your tax returns during this time period. There is a federal amount claimed on line 31600 (2019 and greater – prior to this, was line 316) and a provincial amount claimed on line 58440 (2019 and greater – prior to this, was line 5844).
The first thing True North Disability Services does when we have a new client is complete a full ten year tax assessment. This is done for a variety of reasons. We check for anything that may affect your claim (bankruptcies, consumer proposals, previously eligible for the Disability Tax Credit) just to name a few.
We also review if the Working Income Tax Benefit may be applied once eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, and how much federal and provincial taxes have been paid for each tax year. As mentioned earlier, because the DTC is a non-refundable tax credit – refunds are based on taxable income. By completing a full assessment, this allows us to ensure our clients not only have taxable income to claim the refund, but also identify any years with low/no income where unused credits may be transferred to a supporting family member/spouse in order to maximize your claim value.
How the Disability Tax Credit Calculator Works
The calculator uses the federal and provincial Disability Tax Credit amounts and applicable lowest tax rates for each available tax year.
It provides an estimate of the maximum tax reduction that could be available. It does not calculate the exact refund you will receive because your actual results depend on your personal tax returns and CRA approval.
Why Your Actual DTC Refund May Be Different
Your Disability Tax Credit refund may be affected by:
- The amount of income tax you paid in each year
- Your province or territory of residence for each year
- Whether you were under 18 during any eligible year
- Whether unused credits can be transferred to a supporting family member
- Any bankruptcy or consumer proposal
- Years in which the DTC was previously claimed
- The years ultimately approved by the Canada Revenue Agency
A person with little or no taxable income may not be able to use the entire credit personally. In some cases, unused amounts may be transferred to an eligible supporting family member.
How Far Back Can the Disability Tax Credit Go?
The Canada Revenue Agency may adjust eligible tax returns for up to ten previous calendar years.
In 2026, that generally means previously filed tax returns from 2016 through 2025 may be reviewed. Being approved for the DTC does not automatically guarantee a refund for every year. A refund is only available where sufficient income tax was paid by the person with the disability or an eligible supporting family member.
Bankruptcy and Consumer Proposals
A bankruptcy or consumer proposal can affect which tax years may produce a refund and who is entitled to receive it.
This calculator estimates amounts beginning with the first post-bankruptcy or post-proposal tax year. Any refund or credit for that period is only available after the applicable post-bankruptcy tax return has been filed and assessed.
Bankruptcy and consumer-proposal situations should be reviewed individually before relying on an estimated amount.
Get a Complete Ten-Year Tax Assessment
The calculator provides a general estimate. True North Disability Services can complete a detailed assessment using your tax history, province of residence, taxable income, family-transfer opportunities, and any bankruptcy or consumer-proposal information.
This allows us to identify which years may produce a tax adjustment and whether unused credits may be transferred to a supporting family member.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I receive from the Disability Tax Credit?
There is no fixed DTC refund. The Disability Tax Credit reduces income tax that was paid or payable. Your actual adjustment depends on your income, taxes paid, province, eligible years, age, transfers, and CRA approval.
Is the Disability Tax Credit refundable?
No. The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit. It can reduce income tax, but it does not automatically create a refund when no tax was paid.
Can the Disability Tax Credit be transferred to a family member?
In some circumstances, an unused portion of the credit may be transferred to an eligible supporting family member. The transfer must meet CRA requirements and is determined separately for each tax year.
Does the DTC calculator include the current tax year?
No. The calculator only includes tax returns that could already have been filed. For example, in 2026, the estimate covers eligible years through 2025.
Can bankruptcy affect a Disability Tax Credit refund?
Yes. A bankruptcy or consumer proposal can affect which tax years are available and who may receive an adjustment. Refunds relating to a post-bankruptcy period are only available after the applicable post-bankruptcy tax return has been filed and assessed.
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