Filing your Canadian T1 return correctly — and on time — is one of the most impactful financial actions of the year. It determines your tax owing, your refund, and your credits for government benefit programs like the Canada Child Benefit. This guide covers everything from software choice to commonly missed deductions.
Tax filing overview
Key dates
| Date | Deadline |
|---|---|
| RRSP contribution deadline | March 1 |
| T4 slip deadline (employers) | Last day of February |
| Personal return filing deadline | April 30 |
| Self-employed filing deadline | June 15 (tax owing still due April 30) |
| First instalment (if required) | March 15 |
| TFSA withdrawal room restored | January 1 of following year |
How to file
- Gather your slips: T4 (employment), T5 (investment income), T3 (trust), T4RSP/RRIF, T4FHSA, T2202 (tuition), benefit letters, RRSP receipts
- Choose software: NETFILE-certified software files electronically to CRA
- Register for My Account: Track refunds, view slips, change address, set up direct deposit
- Complete your return: Software guides you through each section
- NETFILE: Submit directly to CRA; confirmation issued within 48 hours
- Notice of Assessment: CRA confirms your return within 2–6 weeks (usually faster for NETFILE)
Choosing tax software
Free options
| Software | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Individuals, investments | Free (pay-what-you-can) |
| TurboTax Free | Simple T4 returns | Free (basic) |
| H&R Block Basic | Simple returns | Free |
| StudioTax | Windows users | Free |
| GenuTax | Windows users | Free |
Paid options
| Software | Best For | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Standard/Premier | Complex investments, self-employment | $25–$60 |
| H&R Block Full Service | Professional review | $75–$200 |
| UFile | Families, students | $20–$30 |
| CloudTax Pro | Self-employed | $50 |
Tax filing articles
Guides & how-to
- How to File Taxes in Canada
- Complete Canadian Tax Guide for Beginners
- Tax Guide Canada Overview
- First-Time Filing Taxes in Canada
- How to File Taxes in Your First Year
- How to File Taxes for Free in Canada
- How to File Taxes as a Student
- How to File Taxes for a Deceased Person
- Tax Deadline Canada
- NETFILE vs Paper Filing
Tax software reviews
- Best Tax Software Canada
- Best Free Tax Software Canada
- TurboTax Canada Review
- Wealthsimple Tax Review
- UFile Review Canada
- H&R Block Tax Software Review
- CloudTax Review Canada
- StudioTax Review Canada
- GenuTax Review Canada
- Wealthsimple Tax vs TurboTax vs H&R Block
- UFile vs TurboTax Canada
Deductions, credits & optimization
- Tax Deductions Checklist Canada
- How to Maximize Your Tax Refund
- Common Tax Mistakes in Canada
- Year-End Tax Planning Checklist
- When to Hire an Accountant vs DIY
Situations and troubleshooting
- Can You File Taxes Without a SIN?
- First Time Using an Accountant
- How Taxes Work in Canada
- Why Do I Owe Taxes This Year?
- Why Is My Tax Refund Smaller This Year?
- Tax Changes 2027
- Am I Paying Too Much Tax?
- Am I Common Law for Tax Purposes?
- Co-op Placement Tax Guide Canada
- How Long Does a Tax Refund Take in Canada?
- I Forgot to File My T4 Slip — What Now?
- I Forgot to Report Interest Income — What Now?
Browse All How to File Taxes in Canada: Complete Guide 2026 Articles
Browse all 53 articles in this section.
C
- Can You File Taxes Without a SIN in Canada?
- Canada Federal Budget 2026: What It Means for Your Personal Finances
- Canadian Tax Guide 2026 | Complete Guide to Filing Taxes in Canada
- Co-op Placement Tax Guide Canada: Reporting Income, CPP/EI, and Deductions
- Common Tax Mistakes Canadians Make in 2026
- Complete Canadian Tax Guide for Beginners 2026 | How Taxes Work
F
H
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Tax Refund in Canada? (2026)
- How RRSP and TFSA Are Split in a Divorce in Canada
- How Taxes Work in Canada | Beginner Guide
- How to File Taxes as a Student in Canada 2026
- How to File Taxes for a Deceased Person in Canada
- How to File Taxes for Free in Canada 2026
- How to File Taxes in Canada for the First Time as a Newcomer (2026)
- How to File Taxes in Canada: Complete Beginner''s Guide
- How to Maximize Your Tax Refund in Canada in 2026
- How to Pay Less Tax in Canada 2026: 15 Legal Strategies ($2K–$10K+ Savings)
- How to Reduce Taxes in Retirement Canada 2026
I
- I Claimed the Wrong Province on My Tax Return — How to Fix It
- I Forgot to Claim Charitable Donations on My Taxes — Now What?
- I Forgot to Claim Charitable Donations on My Taxes — What to Do in Canada
- I Forgot to Claim Medical Expenses on My Tax Return — What to Do in Canada
- I Forgot to Claim Medical Expenses on My Taxes — Now What?
- I Forgot to Claim Moving Expenses on My Taxes — What to Do in Canada
- I Forgot to File a T4 Slip — What Happens and How to Fix It
- I Forgot to Include a T4 Slip When Filing My Taxes — Now What?
- I Forgot to Report Interest Income on My Tax Return — What to Do in Canada
- I Forgot to Report Interest Income on My Taxes — What Now?
- I Gave the Wrong SIN to My Employer — What Should I Do?
- I Made a Mistake on My Tax Return — What Should I Do?
- Is It Too Late to File My Taxes in Canada? — 2026 Guide
M
R
S
T
W
- What Happens to Your RRSP When You Die? (Canada 2026)
- What to Do With Your Tax Refund in Canada (2026 Guide)
- When to Hire an Accountant vs DIY Taxes in Canada in 2026
- Why Do I Owe Taxes This Year? 10 Most Common Reasons Canadians Get a Tax Bill
- Why Is My Tax Refund Smaller This Year? 12 Common Reasons Explained