Start Here: Introduction to Tax Filing in Canada

Who Needs to File and When

Most individuals must file by April 30, while self-employed people file by June 15 but still need to pay any balance by April 30. Mark your calendar now and share your deadline strategy with us.

Who Needs to File and When

Canadian tax is based on residency, not citizenship. Residents generally report worldwide income. Unsure of your status? Review ties like your home, family, and time in Canada, then ask questions in the comments.

Who Needs to File and When

During my first spring in Canada, a friend taped the April 30 deadline to the fridge. That little reminder saved late-filing penalties and inspired our tradition of a celebratory post-filing coffee.

Your Tax Toolkit: Slips, Accounts, and Organization

Collect T4s for employment income, T5s for investment income, T3s for trusts, and T5008s for securities. Keep tuition forms like T2202 and any donation receipts. Tell us which slip always arrives last for you.

Your Tax Toolkit: Slips, Accounts, and Organization

Create CRA My Account to track your Notice of Assessment, benefit payments, and RRSP room. Use certified software with NETFILE and Auto-fill My Return to securely pull slips directly and reduce typos and missed entries.

Popular Deductions to Know

RRSP contributions can lower taxable income. Eligible moving expenses may help after certain relocations. Some employment costs require Form T2200. Comment with deductions you plan to learn this year and we’ll clarify common pitfalls.

Key Credits That Add Up

The basic personal amount, GST/HST credit, Canada Workers Benefit, and provincial credits can help. Many provinces include a Climate Action Incentive. Ask about your province, and we’ll spotlight examples relevant to your situation.

Student Wins: Tuition and Interest

Tuition amounts on T2202 can generate credits, and eligible interest on government student loans may be claimed. Share your study-saving tip or a win you had turning textbooks into tax relief the smart, careful way.

DIY With Certified Software

Many CRA-certified tools are beginner-friendly and support NETFILE. Start simple, follow prompts, and use Auto-fill My Return. Tell us which software you’re considering and we’ll highlight beginner features worth trying first.

When to Consider a Professional

Rental properties, self-employment, foreign income, or complex family situations can justify expert help. Peace of mind matters. Ask us whether your tax picture suggests getting advice this season or next year instead.

Special Situations: Newcomers and Self-Employed

Report income from your arrival date and note world income before arrival for benefits eligibility. Apply for CRA My Account once you receive your Notice of Assessment. Ask about benefits like the GST/HST credit and CCB.

After You File: Assessments, Refunds, and Fixes

The CRA’s Notice of Assessment confirms your result and any next steps. Read it carefully in My Account. Celebrate small wins and let us know what still confuses you so we can explain it simply.

Security, Scams, and Staying Current

Spotting Scams with Confidence

CRA won’t demand cryptocurrency, gift cards, or immediate payment by threats, and won’t ask for passwords. Verify messages in My Account. Share suspicious examples you’ve seen, and we’ll dissect the red flags together.

Guarding Your SIN and Access

Enable two-factor authentication, use strong unique passwords, and restrict representative access only when needed. Curious about authorizing a helper safely? Ask and we’ll outline steps that keep control firmly with you.

Keep Learning, Stay Subscribed

Tax rules evolve yearly. Follow CRA updates, check provincial changes, and subscribe to our newsletter for beginner-friendly reminders. Comment with the topic you want next in our Introduction to Tax Filing in Canada series.