Tax season is here … again. And if you have income, assets, or documents from outside Canada that you need to submit to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and they are not in English or French, you will need to translate them, and those translations will need to be certified.
You may have worked in Mexico or Italy, own property in Germany, or receive a pension from Portugal. Or maybe a fall during a fun trip to Costa Rica landed you in a hospital with bills you can deduct. Whatever your situation, if your supporting documents are not in one of Canada’s official languages, they must be translated for your CRA submission. Here’s how the process works.
What does the CRA require?
Canada Revenue Agency requires that any document submitted in a foreign language be translated into English or French; accurate and complete; and prepared by a qualified translator.
ETS provides certified translations that comply with CRA submission requirements, including: a certified translator’s declaration or affidavit, accurate and complete translation of the original document, consistent formant and content. For tax purposes, this adds a layer of trust and compliance that the CRA expects.
All translations completed by ETS are accurate, reflect the original document in format and form and are completed by a certified translator in Canada affiliated to CTTIC (the Council of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of Canada).
ETS certified translations are accurate, reflect the original document in format and form and are completed by a certified translator in Canada affiliated to CTTIC.
Which tax documents usually need translation?
Many newcomers, business owners, and international professionals need translations during tax season. If you earned income or held assets outside Canada, you may need translation for:
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- Foreign income statements
- Employment letters
- Bank statements
- Investment or dividend records
- Rental income documents
- Tax filings from another country
- International bank records
- Employment or salary letters
- Employment slips or tax returns
- Pension documents
If you’re unsure what documents to translate, ask your accountant. As a rule of thumb, if your accountant can’t read it, CRA can’t either.
When should you request your translation?
Tax deadlines approach quickly, and quality translations take time. We recommend requesting your certified translation early, especially if:
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- You have multiple documents
- Your documents are complex
- You’re filing close to the deadline
Certified translation services in Calgary (and across Alberta)
At ETS Translation Solutions, we support clients in Calgary and across Alberta with:
- Certified translations for CRA
- Fast and reliable turnaround
- Consistent financial terminology
- Friendly and knowledgeable support
- Ensure compliance with Canadian tax requirements
- File with peace of mind
We understand both language and context, which makes all the difference during tax season.
FAQ
Do I need a certified translation for CRA in Canada?
Yes. If your documents are not in English or French, the CRA requires a complete and accurate translation, often certified.
Can I translate my own documents for CRA?
No. CRA expects translations to be completed by a qualified, independent translator.
Why not use Google Translate?
We get this question all the time! While tools like Google Translate or ChatGPT are helpful for everyday use, they are not appropriate for tax documents. Financial terminology requires precision, and even small errors can lead to misinterpretation, processing delays and additional document requests. And we’re sure you don’t want that.
Tax season is stressful—your translation doesn’t have to be. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us and let’s get it done together.