T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate
Form T2201 is how you apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — a credit for people with a severe and prolonged impairment, or their supporting family member. Once you're approved, the credit can often be claimed for the current year and back years too.
Download the official T2201 form (canada.ca)Opens the current version on the Government of Canada website — always the up-to-date form, straight from the source.
How the T2201 works — two parts
The form has two parts. Part A is filled in by the person with the impairment (or a family member applying on their behalf). Part B is completed and signed by a qualified medical practitioner — a doctor or nurse practitioner, and for certain impairments an optometrist, audiologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist or speech-language pathologist — who certifies how the impairment affects daily life.
You can apply on paper with this form, and the CRA now also offers a partly digital application. The CRA reviews the application and decides whether the person qualifies; approval isn't automatic.
The credit can reach back up to 10 years
This is the part people miss. If the CRA approves the DTC and the impairment applied in earlier years, the credit can often be claimed retroactively for up to 10 years — which can mean a meaningful refund. Prior years are usually claimed by adjusting those returns (a T1 adjustment) once the DTC is approved.
What the DTC can open up
Being approved for the DTC can also be the gateway to other programs — for example the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and, in some cases, other related credits and benefits. It's worth getting the application right the first time, because the certification and dates matter.
Official CRA references
FAQ
Part A is done by the applicant or a family member; Part B is completed and signed by a qualified medical practitioner who certifies the impairment. Both parts are needed before the CRA can assess it.
Often, yes. If the DTC is approved and the impairment applied in earlier years, the credit can generally be claimed for up to 10 prior years, usually by adjusting those returns. Amounts depend on your situation, so it's not a guaranteed figure.
The CRA approves the DTC for a period based on the certification. It can be time-limited or ongoing, and may need to be renewed later. Approval is at the CRA's determination.
Yes. The medical certification has to come from your practitioner, but we can help you apply cleanly, then claim the credit on the current year and adjust prior years so nothing eligible is left on the table.
Think you or a family member may qualify?
The DTC is often missed — and it can reach back years. Book a free consultation and we'll help you apply and claim every year you're entitled to.
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Other CRA forms
General information only, not tax advice. This is a copy of publicly available information about an official Government of Canada form; the form itself is published by the CRA. Verify details for your situation on canada.ca or with us.