Form T2201 looks long, but most of it is simple. Here is what to write, what to ask your doctor, and the mistakes that slow people down.
You never have to pay a percentage of your refund to fill out this form. It is free and you can do it yourself.
Your details. Name, address, date of birth, and Social Insurance Number. Simple identification, nothing tricky.
Who is applying. The form asks whether the person with the condition is filling it in themselves, or if a family member is helping.
Consent questions. There are check boxes asking for permission, such as letting the CRA talk to your doctor about the form if something is unclear. Read each box before you tick it.
The adjustment request. A box near the end asks if you want the CRA to adjust past tax returns using the start date your doctor gives. Tick this box if you want your back years reviewed automatically.
You cannot fill in Part B. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or another approved medical professional must complete it. But you can help them do it well.
The single most important thing to ask for: the earliest accurate year the condition began to markedly affect daily life. This date decides how many years of back payments you can receive, so it is worth a real conversation, not a guess.
Bring your doctor a plain list of how the condition affects your everyday activities: walking, dressing, memory, hearing, vision, or whatever applies to you. Doctors fill out this form for many patients. A clear, specific list helps them describe your situation accurately.
A vague start date. If your doctor writes "unknown" or picks a recent date out of caution, you can lose years of back payments. Ask them directly for the earliest year they can honestly support with your medical history.
Forgetting the adjustment box. If you do not tick the box asking the CRA to adjust past returns, you may only get the credit going forward, even if you qualified years earlier.
Giving up after one doctor visit. If a doctor is unsure or says no, that is not always the final answer. A different doctor, a specialist, or a follow-up visit with more detail can lead to a different result. Many approved claims took more than one attempt.
We'll email you the plain-language guide to applying yourself: the T2201 form, what your doctor fills in, and how to ask the CRA for your back years. One email, no spam.
This guide is for information only and is not tax, legal, or medical advice. Only a qualified medical practitioner can complete Part B of Form T2201. Always check canada.ca for the current version of the form. Verified July 2026.