Another night staring at jumbled numbers, the glow of my laptop burning into my eyes, a stark contrast against the long-set sun. As a single Canadian, tax season always feels like a punch to the gut. While friends with families swap stories of deductions and credits, I’m left facing a return that seems to penalize me for simply being on my own—for not following the so-called “traditional” family route.
It isn’t just about the money—though that sting is real. It’s about a tax system that hasn’t kept up with the times. One designed decades ago to support families in a narrow sense, but that now overlooks a growing demographic. Today, nearly 30% of Canadian households are made up of single individuals. Yet our tax laws remain firmly rooted in an outdated model that rewards only certain lifestyles.
There’s no spouse to split income with, no child-related expenses to claim. Just me, my laptop, and a growing sense of injustice.
Frustrated, I took a deep dive into the Canadian tax code—combing through credits, benefits, deductions—trying to understand the rationale behind what felt so unfair. What I found wasn’t intentional discrimination, but a system that simply hasn’t evolved with society.
This year, the Basic Personal Amount (BPA)—the non-refundable tax credit every Canadian can claim—sits at $16,129. But for someone without a partner or dependents, that figure feels inadequate. It doesn’t reflect the realities of living costs for singles who shoulder the full burden of housing, utilities, groceries, and more. In fact, studies show singles pay up to 30–40% more per person for essentials compared to those who can share costs.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a proposal—one I hope smarter minds will explore further.
Raise the BPA for single individuals to $24,194—150% of the standard amount. This isn’t a random figure; it’s a deliberate step toward levelling the playing field based on actual living costs. For example, a single Canadian earning $72,000 annually could save about $2,340 in taxes. That’s not a handout—it’s a move toward fairness.
And the benefits go beyond the individual. Increasing the disposable income of single Canadians means more spending in local economies—on food, services, small businesses. Research from other countries shows that putting more money in the hands of singles can boost economic activity and support community growth.
Of course, I knew thinking about it wasn’t enough. So I shared the proposal with my Member of Parliament, Marilyn Gladu. To my surprise, she responded, calling the idea “well thought out.” A small victory—but a meaningful one.
I know this won’t be an easy change. There are fiscal implications, administrative hurdles, and competing priorities. But I believe a fair tax system must reflect all Canadians—not just those that fit a traditional mold.
I’m not an economist or a politician. I’m just a single Canadian tired of being overlooked by a system that should work for all of us. If enough of us speak up—if enough of us share our lonely tax returns—maybe we can finally be seen.
If you agree, contact your MP. Share your story. Together, we can change the narrative.