Did you receive CERB? Experts say plan now for tax time Canada’s tax agency has said it’s been contacting CERB recipients for whom it can’t confirm employment or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to applying, which was one of the eligibility requirements for the benefit.The letters say that, for self-employed Canadians, the qualifying income had to be “net pre-tax income,” which means gross income minus expenses, according to the CRA.Some self-employed Canadians who applied for CERB based on their income before claiming expenses and have less than $5,000 in net income now say they worry they’ll have to repay up to $14,000 worth of benefits, according to numerous social media posts and news.