Filing your taxes in Canada does not have to be complicated. Whether this is your first time or you just want a refresher, this guide walks you through everything step by step.
Before filing, confirm return structure in what a T1 General tax return is and gather documents with how to read your T slips. After submission, manage your account in how to use CRA My Account and read the result in your Notice of Assessment.
Tax filing deadlines
| Situation | Filing Deadline | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Most Canadians | April 30, 2026 | April 30, 2026 |
| Self-employed | June 15, 2026 | April 30, 2026 |
| Deceased person (death before Nov) | April 30 of following year | April 30 |
Late filing penalty: 5% of the balance owing, plus 1% for each full month late (up to 12 months).
What you need before you start
Income slips
| Slip | What it Reports |
|---|---|
| T4 | Employment income and deductions |
| T4A | Pension, annuity, or other income |
| T4E | Employment Insurance benefits |
| T5 | Investment income (interest, dividends) |
| T3 | Trust income (mutual fund distributions) |
| T5008 | Securities transactions (buy/sell) |
| T2202 | Tuition amounts |
Most slips are available in your CRA My Account by mid-March.
Receipts and records
- RRSP contribution receipts
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical expense receipts
- Moving expense receipts
- Home office expenses (if applicable)
- Child care expense receipts
Previous year Notice of Assessment
This shows your RRSP deduction limit, any unused tuition amounts, and other carry-forward balances.
How to file your taxes (step by step)
Step 1: Choose your filing method
| Method | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Free | Most Canadians (pay what you want model) |
| StudioTax | Free | Desktop users |
| TurboTax | $0–$50+ | Those wanting guided experience |
| H&R Block software | $0–$40+ | Those wanting in-person support option |
| Accountant | $100–$500+ | Complex situations (self-employed, rental income) |
Step 2: Create a CRA My Account
If you do not already have one, register at canada.ca. This lets you:
- Auto-fill your tax slips directly into your software
- Check your RRSP and TFSA contribution room
- View past returns and notices of assessment
- Set up direct deposit for refunds
Step 3: Enter your information
Start with personal information (name, address, birth date, marital status), then enter your income slips. Most software imports slips from CRA automatically via Auto-fill.
Step 4: Claim deductions and credits
The software will prompt you for common items. Key deductions and credits to look for:
Deductions (reduce taxable income):
- RRSP contributions
- Child care expenses
- Moving expenses (if moved 40+ km for work or school)
- Employment expenses (if T2200 from employer)
- Union or professional dues
Credits (reduce tax owing):
- Basic personal amount (automatic)
- Medical expenses
- Charitable donations
- Tuition amounts
- Disability tax credit
- First-time home buyer’s credit
- Climate Action Incentive (automatic in most provinces)
Step 5: Review and NETFILE
Review your return for errors, then submit electronically using NETFILE. You will receive a confirmation number immediately.
Step 6: Get your refund
If you are owed a refund, it typically arrives within 2 weeks (direct deposit) or 4–8 weeks (cheque). If you owe money, pay by April 30 to avoid interest.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to report all income — The CRA knows about every T4, T5, and T3. Report everything.
- Missing deductions — RRSP contributions, medical expenses, and charitable donations are commonly missed.
- Not filing when you have no income — File anyway to receive benefits and build contribution room.
- Using the wrong marital status — If you moved in with a partner, you may be considered common-law after 12 months.
- Not claiming the spousal credit — If your spouse earned little or no income, you can claim a credit.
Free tax filing options in Canada
Many Canadians do not realize they can file taxes for free:
| Option | Cost | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Free (pay what you want) | Simple and complex returns |
| Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) | Free | Fixed/low income, simple situations |
| CRA File My Return (automated) | Free | Eligible low-income filers (CRA calls you) |
| StudioTax | Free up to $0 balance | Desktop users |
| TurboTax Free | Free | Simple T4-only situations |
The CVITP runs from February to April at locations across Canada — community centres, libraries, and non-profits. Find a clinic at canada.ca/cvitp.
What happens after you file
- Processing: NETFILE returns are typically processed within 2 weeks of submission. Paper returns take 6–8 weeks.
- Notice of Assessment (NOA): CRA issues an NOA confirming the outcome — your refund amount, balance owing, and updated RRSP/TFSA room. It appears in My CRA Account.
- Refund: direct deposit refunds arrive within 8 business days after the NOA is issued. Cheque refunds take 4–6 weeks after the NOA.
- Balance owing: must be paid by April 30, 2026 to avoid interest. Pay through your bank’s bill payment, CRA My Payment, or by mailing a cheque.
If CRA needs more information: they may issue a letter requesting documents before finalizing your return. Respond promptly and keep the reference number.
Important resources
- Income tax calculator — Estimate your tax bill or refund
- Salary after tax calculator — See your take-home pay
- Tax brackets — Current federal and provincial rates
- RRSP contribution limit — Check how much you can contribute