Step-by-Step Canadian Tax Filing Guide
Mark key dates like the April 30 filing deadline, and June 15 for self-employed filers’ returns. Add reminders to collect slips, review RRSP contributions, and update your CRA details. Share your calendar tips below so others can follow your rhythm.
Collect T4s, T5s, T3s, T4A, T2202, RRSP contribution slips, rent or property tax records if applicable, and childcare receipts. Keep digital scans in a single folder. Comment with any obscure slips you’ve encountered so we can expand this checklist.
Log in to CRA My Account to confirm your address, direct deposit, RRSP room, TFSA limits, and carryforwards. Enable email notifications so you never miss a review request. Subscribe for reminders on safe sign-in and protecting personal information.
Residency and Province: Where You Lived Matters
Understand Canadian Tax Residency
Assess significant residential ties like a home, spouse or common-law partner, and dependants. Temporary absences do not always end residency. If your situation is unusual, ask in the comments and we’ll share guidance for similar real-world cases.
Employment Income and Tips
Use T4 slips and include taxable benefits shown in dedicated boxes. Declare tips honestly; consistency helps avoid audits. If your employer issued multiple T4s, ensure totals match your pay records. Comment if a slip arrived late and how you handled it.
Self-Employment: Report and Organize
Track gross revenue, business expenses, and net income, typically using Form T2125. Separate business and personal finances for clarity. Many readers say a weekly spreadsheet ritual saves time—share your system to help others streamline their year.
Investments and Capital Gains
Use T5s, T3s, and trading summaries to report interest, dividends, and capital gains. Document your adjusted cost base carefully. Watch superficial loss rules. If you learned an ACB lesson the hard way, tell your story so newcomers avoid the same headache.
RRSP Contributions and Timing
RRSP contributions can reduce taxable income. The first 60 days of the year often apply to the prior tax year. Check your RRSP room in CRA My Account before contributing. Share your approach—lump-sum or monthly—and why it works for your cash flow.
Core Credits Many People Miss
Review the Basic Personal Amount, Canada Workers Benefit, tuition amounts from T2202, and medical expenses exceeding thresholds. Disability Tax Credit can be transformative. Comment with credits you discovered late, so others benefit sooner.
Provincial and Territorial Support
Explore provincial credits and benefits, including energy or rent-related programs, plus the federal Climate Action Incentive where applicable. These vary by region. Tell us your province and we’ll highlight popular credits readers in your area often claim.
Filing Methods: Choose the Easiest Path to Done
NETFILE-certified software lets you submit directly to the CRA and often supports Auto-fill My Return. Verify imported data against your documents. Subscribe for our annual software roundup to compare features, accessibility, and privacy practices.
Self-Employed and Side Gigs
Track business-use-of-home, supplies, advertising, and vehicle mileage consistently. Consider GST/HST registration if you exceed the small-supplier threshold. Comment with your favorite mileage app or bookkeeping habit that keeps you organized year-round.
Students and Newcomers to Canada
Students should keep T2202 slips, record eligible tuition, and choose whether to transfer or carry forward credits. Newcomers report worldwide income from their arrival date. Ask questions below—our community loves helping first-timers feel confident.
Remote Work, Moves, and Employment Expenses
If your employer requires home expenses, explore eligible claims with proper forms and receipts. Moving for work or full-time study may be deductible. Share your experience documenting expenses so others can learn what proof really satisfies a review.
