Hi everyone
Has any of your clients been asked to submit proof of common law status? For Married Status, normally they are asked for marriage certificate which is a solid proof, but for common law, how do we prove the date that they change status? If I put date of status change: Dec 31th 2024, they are still able to claim the spousal credits, without significant impact on their benefits during 2024. But in that case, what kind of proof/documents that are required to provide to CRA? Thank you!
I had one of those years ago where the couple were constantly breaking up and then reconciling. Finally, CRA got fed up and asked for proof they were together. I think they produced utility bills in their names at the “reconciled” address. Also, each had credit card statements coming to the same address. I was thinking maybe a video of them having a meal together, or watching TV together, or sitting on the doorstep with the civic sign visible. But, no, they accepted the utility & credit card bills. If CRA sends a request to prove their status, the letter will have examples of the type of acceptable documentation.
They need two things - to be cohabiting, and the relationship has to be conjugal. The address documents are to demonstrate they are cohabiting. For the conjugal nature, the standard used is if the couple states they are in a conjugal relationship. It’s not actually verified, for obvious reasons.