Principal Issues: 1. Would settlement monies received by a First Nations individual impact the determination of federal and provincial income-tested benefits or credits?
2. Are certain settlement monies received by First Nations individuals exempt from tax under paragraph 87(1)(b) of the Indian Act and paragraph 81(1)(a) of the Act?
Position: 1. The determination depends on the type of settlement monies received by the individual. Generally, the settlement monies, which are situated on a reserve and exempt from tax under the Indian Act, will not impact the determination of federal and provincial income-tested benefits or credits.
2. Please see below.
Reasons: 1. Pursuant to paragraph 81(1)(a) of the Act, amounts which are exempt from tax under the Indian Act, shall not be included in computing the taxpayer’s income for purposes of the Act.