What a T3 costs

What does a trust or estate return cost

Trust and estate T3 returns from $750. Individual T1 from $65 where a final personal return is also needed.

Prepared by HBT Accounting, a CPA led firm in CalgaryUpdated 5.0 on Google, 59 reviews

One

Usually two returns, not one

A trust or estate T3 return starts at $750. Where someone has died, there is usually also a final personal return to file, which starts at $65 for a straightforward one and $350 where there was business income.

Trust and estate deadlines do not follow the ordinary personal tax calendar, and the reporting requirements for trusts have tightened in recent years. Confirming which returns are due, and when, is the first part of the work rather than an afterthought.

Two

What is involved

Which returns are due

A T3 for the trust or estate, and often a final T1 for the individual. They are separate filings.

Beneficiaries and slips

Amounts allocated to beneficiaries are reported to them, which adds slips to the engagement.

Different deadlines

Trust and estate dates do not follow the ordinary personal calendar.

Three

How the work begins

  1. Step 1: Establish what exists

    The trust or estate, the assets, and any outstanding prior years.

  2. Step 2: Scope and price in writing

    Both returns quoted before any paid work.

  3. Step 3: Filed and explained

    The result set out plainly for the executor or trustee.

Four

How much does a T3 trust or estate return cost?

At HBT Accounting a trust or estate T3 return starts at $750 plus GST or HST where it applies. Where a final personal return is also required it starts at $65, or $350 where there was business or self employed income. The total depends on the number of beneficiaries, the assets involved and whether prior years are outstanding.

Official sources

  1. CRA: When to file your T3 return
  2. CRA: Filing and payment due dates for the final return of someone who died
  3. CRA: Enhanced reporting rules for trusts and bare trusts

Trust or estate T3 from $750+. Individual T1 from $65+. Final fees depend on scope, and we quote a fixed fee once the work is clear. The first conversation is free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.