Millions of Single Seniors Face Unfair Tax Burdens
“BPW Canada has a long history of advocating for women’s economic, social, and political rights. Tax inequities for single seniors are a pressing concern, disproportionately affecting women due to their greater numbers, income disparities, caregiving responsibilities, and longer life expectancy.”
— Shannon McEwing, President, Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Canada)
Single seniors, especially women, are significantly disadvantaged under current federal tax rules. Millions face higher taxes than couples with similar incomes, with pension income splitting, non-refundable tax credits, and RRSP/RRIF inheritance rules creating systemic inequities.
Why This Matters
- 68% of seniors living alone are women
- 39% of Canadian seniors are single
- Single seniors are 4× more likely to live in poverty than couples
- Women often live longer than men, increasing financial strain over time
- Current tax rules favour couples, creating inequities in:
- Pension income splitting
- Non-refundable tax credits
- RRSP/RRIF inheritance taxation
“Twice as many single seniors are women compared to men, and unfair tax policies affect over 2 million single senior women every year.” — SSTF, 2024
BPW Canada & SSTF: Working for Change
At the 2025 BPW Canada Annual General Meeting, members unanimously passed a resolution supporting Single Seniors for Tax Fairness (SSTF). This advocacy has also been included in BPW Canada’s 2025 Brief to the Federal Government, opposition parties and allied organizations.
BPW Canada proudly stands with SSTF and other partners, urging the federal government to implement fair, inclusive, and gender-sensitive tax policies for single seniors.
Learn more about SSTF’s ongoing work and resources: Visit Single Seniors for Tax Fairness
BPW Canada Resolution 2025: Single Senior Women & Tax Equity
BPW Canada urges the Government of Canada to:
- Pension Income Splitting: Offset the advantages couples currently receive
- OAS & Age Amount: Raise clawback thresholds for single seniors
- New Single Senior Tax Credit: Introduce a non-refundable tax credit equivalent to half of the personal amount
- Pension Income Credit: Increase from $2,000 → $3,000 for single seniors
- RRSP/RRIF Rollovers: Allow tax-deferred rollover to any beneficiary within 10 years
Goal: Ensure fair, inclusive, and financially supportive policies for all seniors