Don't Miss the Last Day to File Taxes (Canada Guide): 2026 Updated

The last day to file taxes in Canada is approaching fast. If you haven't filed your 2025 federal income tax return yet, now is the time.

Missing the deadline can result in a late filing penalty, daily interest on taxes owed, and delayed benefits or credits you're eligible for. Even if you have no income, filing on time can help you qualify for benefits like the GST/HST credit, the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Workers Benefit, the Ontario Trillium Benefit, and more.

Key Takeaways

• The deadline to file your 2025 personal income tax return is April 30, 2026 — if you or your spouse or common-law partner is self-employed, the filing deadline extends to June 15, 2026, but any taxes owed are still due April 30, 2026
• Late filing penalties start at 5% of your balance owing, plus 1% for each month you're late — and the CRA charges 7% interest that compounds daily on any unpaid taxes
• Filing late can pause your government benefits, including the Canada Child Benefit (up to $7,997 per child under 6), the GST/HST credit (up to $519 for singles), and the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
• Even if you can't pay what you owe, file your tax return on time anyway — this avoids the late filing penalty entirely, and you can set up a payment arrangement with the CRA
• Most people get money back — last tax season, over 19 million Canadians received refunds averaging $2,294

When Is the Tax Filing Deadline in 2026?

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Tax filing season officially opens on February 23, 2026. This is the first date to file your paper or electronic tax return for the 2025 tax year.

New for 2026: The CRA will no longer automatically mail paper income tax packages. If you need a paper return, you'll have to request one online or by calling 1-855-330-3305. Most Canadians now file electronically — last year, about 93% of all returns were filed online.

General Filing Deadline — April 30, 2026

The deadline for most Canadians to file their personal income tax return for 2025 is April 30, 2026. By filing your tax return before the deadline, you can avoid delays to any refund, benefit, or credit payments you may receive. If you owe taxes this year, filing and paying on time will ensure you avoid penalties and interest.

If you file electronically and set up direct deposit, you could receive your tax refund in as little as eight business days. A paper tax return takes about eight weeks to process.

Self-Employed Filing Deadline — June 15, 2026

If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, the filing deadline is June 15, 2026. This extended due date gives self-employed Canadians more time to gather their business income and claim deductions for expenses like home office costs, vehicle use, and supplies.

However, here's the catch most self-employed filers don't realize: if you owe money to the CRA, the payment deadline is still April 30, 2026. Interest starts accruing the day after — even if your return isn't due yet.

Tip: If you're self-employed — or a self-employed spouse filing jointly — and think you might owe, estimate your balance early and make a payment by April 30 to avoid interest charges. You can adjust when you file your actual return later. Late payments still accrue interest, but filing on time avoids the penalty altogether.

Payment Deadline — April 30, 2026

If you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency, the payment due date is April 30, 2026. This applies to everyone — including self-employed individuals and their spouse or common-law partner.

Even if you can't pay the full amount, file your tax return on time anyway. Filing on time avoids the late filing penalty entirely. You'll still owe interest on any unpaid balance, but the penalty is a separate charge that only applies if you miss the filing deadline. If you owe $1,000 or more, you can set up a payment arrangement directly through your CRA My Account online.

RRSP Contribution Deadline — March 2, 2026

The last day to contribute to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan for the 2025 tax year is March 2, 2026. RRSP contributions reduce your taxable income, which could lower the amount you owe or increase your refund. If you make contributions before this date, make sure to include them when you file and claim your deductions. Even small contributions can make a difference — every dollar contributed to an RRSP lowers your taxable income by the same amount.

Filing a 'Final Return' for a Deceased Person

For those filing a 'final return' for a deceased person, the deadline depends on the date of death. If a death occurred between January 1 and October 31, 2025, the filing deadline is April 30, 2026. If the death took place between November 1 and December 31, 2025, the legal representative can file up to six months after the date of death.

What Government Benefits Do You Qualify for by Filing Your Taxes?

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Filing your income tax return is about more than just paying what you owe — it's how the Canada Revenue Agency CRA determines your eligibility for dozens of federal and provincial benefit payments. Many of these benefits are recalculated each July based on your most recent tax return.

If you don't file a tax return, your benefits could be paused or stopped entirely — even if your income and tax situation haven't changed.

Here are some of the biggest benefits — worth thousands of Canadian dollars — that depend on filing your Canadian tax return on time:

Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Tax-free monthly payments for families with children under 18. For 2025-2026, the maximum annual amounts are $7,997 per child under 6 and $6,748 per child aged 6 to 17. Both you and your spouse or common-law partner must file your tax return every year. If you file late, your payments will stop until your return is processed.

GST/HST Credit: Quarterly payments that help low-income and modest-income Canadians offset the sales tax they pay on everyday expenses. For 2025-2026, singles can receive up to $519 per year and couples up to $680, plus extra for eligible children. You don't need to apply separately — the CRA automatically checks your eligibility when you file a tax return.

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: The federal government has passed legislation to deliver a one-time top-up payment no later than June 2026 — worth up to $402 for single individuals, $527 for a couple, and $805 for a couple with two children. Starting July 2026, the benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit) will also increase by 25% for five years. To receive the top-up, you must have filed your 2024 tax return. To receive the increased payments, you need to file your 2025 tax return by the deadline.

Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): A refundable tax credit for low-income individuals with earned income. Singles can receive up to $1,633 and families up to $2,813. You must file your tax return to claim this benefit.

Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): If you live in Ontario, this combined payment includes the Ontario energy and property tax credit, the Northern Ontario energy credit, and the Ontario sales tax credit. Filing your personal income tax return is the only way to receive these payments.

Canada Carbon Rebate: The federal government stopped the carbon pricing fuel charge and the Canada Carbon Rebate on March 15, 2025. No further quarterly payments will be issued. However, if you haven't filed your tax returns for 2021 to 2024, you can still receive any eligible payments by filing before October 30, 2026.

Other benefits at risk: Not filing can also delay or disrupt your Canada Pension Plan payments, employment insurance benefits, the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, the Canada Disability Benefit (up to $200 per month), eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and provincial credits in Nova Scotia, Alberta, and other provinces.

Non-residents: If you're a non-resident of Canada who earned Canadian income during the tax year, you may also need to file a Canadian tax return. Non-residents have specific filing requirements and should check the CRA website or consult a tax professional to understand their obligations.

Bottom line: Even if you had no taxable income last year, file a tax return anyway. Filing a nil return — a return with zero income — keeps your benefits flowing and ensures the CRA has current information about your tax situation and employment status. Last tax season, 18% of all returns filed were nil returns — Canadians filing with no income just to protect their benefits.

What Happens If You Miss the Tax Filing Deadline?

If you file your income tax return after the deadline and you have a balance owing, there are serious consequences. The penalties and interest from the Canada Revenue Agency can add up quickly.

Late Filing Penalties

Filing late will result in a late filing penalty equal to 5% of your 2025 balance owing plus an additional 1% for each full month you are late, up to a maximum of 12 months. That means the maximum first-time penalty is 17% of your balance owing.

For example, if you owe $1,000 and it takes you two months after the April 30 deadline to file your tax return, you'll have to pay a late filing fee of $50 (5% penalty) plus $20 for the two months (1% × $1,000 × 2 months). That's $70 in penalties on top of what you already owe — and this doesn't even include interest.

Repeat offenders pay even more. If the CRA charged you a late filing penalty in any of the three previous tax years and you received a formal demand to file, the penalty jumps to 10% of your balance owing plus 2% per month you're late, up to 20 months. That's a maximum penalty of 50% on top of your taxes owed.

Interest on Unpaid Taxes

If you miss the deadline to pay your tax bill, the CRA will charge you interest starting May 1, 2026 — and the interest compounds daily. The current CRA interest rate on overdue taxes is 7% per year (as of Q1 2026). This rate applies to all unpaid income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, and employment insurance premiums.

Because the interest compounds daily, even a small balance owing can grow fast. For example, a $2,000 unpaid balance at 7% would accumulate roughly $140 in interest over a full year.

Delayed or Paused Benefits

Failing to file your taxes on time can also result in delays or pauses in your government benefits, tax credit payments, or tax refund. The CRA has confirmed that benefit payments — including the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit, and provincial benefits — will stop if you don't file your tax return on time. Payments typically resume after your return is assessed, but you could miss several months of income you depend on.

What the CRA Can Do If You Don't File

Beyond penalties and interest, the CRA has the power to take enforcement action without a court order. This includes garnishing your wages, freezing your bank account, or placing a lien on your property. While these actions are typically reserved for Canadians who ignore repeated requests to file, it's a reminder that the Canada Revenue Agency takes non-compliance seriously.

Can You File Your Taxes If You Can't Afford to Pay?

Yes — and you absolutely should. This is one of the most important things Canadians need to know during tax season: filing on time and paying on time are two separate things.

If you file your tax return by April 30, 2026, but can't pay the full amount, you avoid the late filing penalty entirely. You'll still owe interest on your unpaid balance, but the 5% penalty (or 10% for repeat filers) won't apply. That alone could save you hundreds of dollars.

Here are your payment options if you owe taxes but can't pay in full:

• Pay what you can. Any payment you make reduces the amount of interest that accrues. Even a partial payment before the deadline helps.
• Set up a payment arrangement. If you owe $1,000 or more, you can set up a payment plan directly through your CRA My Account. You don't need to call — it's available online.
• Request relief. In cases of financial hardship or extraordinary circumstances, you can request that the CRA cancel or waive penalties and interest using the Taxpayer Relief Provisions.

If you're short on cash between now and the deadline, Bree can help bridge the gap. Bree offers interest-free cash advances up to $750 with no credit check — so you can cover a small tax bill or other expenses without worrying about the CRA's 7% daily compounding interest.

Tips for Filing Your Taxes on Time

If you find the filing process overwhelming or confusing, you're not alone. Breaking it into smaller steps can make it manageable — and help you avoid penalties.

Prepare Your Relevant Documents

Some of the documents you'll need to file your own tax return include:

Personal information:

• Social Insurance Number
• Information from your Notice of Assessment (the document sent by the CRA after they assess your tax return)
• NETFILE access code (found on your Notice of Assessment — used for filing electronically)

Income information. To properly report your income and claim deductions, you'll need your tax slips, such as:

• T4 from your employer
• T4A for income from scholarships, RESP payments, or pension
• T4E for employment insurance
• T5007 slip if you receive benefits such as workers' compensation or social assistance
• T2202 if you pay college or university tuition
• Relevé slips if you work and live in Quebec
• Any other income, such as tips or self-employed earnings

Receipts. If you plan to use deductions to reduce what you owe, keep all relevant receipts throughout the year. Common deductions include:

• RRSP contributions
• Childcare expenses
• Tuition contributions
• Moving expenses
• Charitable donations
• Medical expenses
• Contributions to professional or union dues

Decide How You Want to File

There are several ways to file your personal income tax return — including electronic, paper, and phone methods.

File electronically. To file electronically, you need to use NETFILE-certified tax software. The software will guide you through the process, help you claim deductions and certain tax credits, and send your tax return directly to the CRA. Once submitted, it takes about two weeks for the CRA to process your return. You can find free, CRA-approved tax software on the CRA website. Many options — like Wealthsimple Tax — are completely free, even for self-employed filers.

File a paper tax return. If you prefer to file on paper, you'll need to request the forms online at canada.ca or by calling the CRA at 1-855-330-3305. Note that the CRA no longer mails paper income tax packages automatically — this is new for the 2026 tax filing season. Paper returns take about eight weeks to process, and you are responsible for completing all calculations and including supporting documentation.

File by phone. The CRA's SimpleFile by Phone service allows eligible individuals to file their income taxes over the phone for free. You don't have to fill out any paperwork or complete any calculations. This service is available to low-income or fixed-income Canadians with a simple tax situation that stays the same year after year.

Visit a free tax clinic. If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may be eligible for free help at a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) clinic. Trained volunteers will prepare and file your tax return at no cost. The CRA just renewed funding for these clinics for the next three years. You can find a free tax clinic near you at canada.ca/taxes-help.

Hire a tax professional. If you want help filing your own tax return, you can assign an authorized representative — a family member, friend, or professional accountant. If you use an approved tax preparation service, your taxes are filed electronically using EFILE-certified tax software. After filing, it takes about two weeks to process your tax return.

FAQs

What Is the Penalty for Filing Taxes Late in Canada?

The late filing penalty is 5% of your balance owing plus 1% per month for up to 12 months (17% maximum for first-time late filers). If the CRA penalized you for late filing in any of the previous three tax years, the penalty increases to 10% plus 2% per month for up to 20 months. On top of penalties, the CRA charges 7% annual interest (compounding daily) on all unpaid taxes starting May 1, 2026.

Do I Need to File a Tax Return If I Have No Income?

Yes. Even if you had no income, you should file a tax return to maintain your eligibility for benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit, the Canada Workers Benefit, and certain provincial tax credits. Filing a nil return also ensures the CRA has current information about your tax situation, which can affect your spouse or common-law partner's benefit payments too.

What Is the RRSP Contribution Deadline for 2025?

The RRSP contribution deadline for the 2025 tax year is March 2, 2026. Contributions made by this date can be claimed as deductions on your 2025 income tax return, reducing your taxable income and potentially increasing your refund.

Can I Still Get Benefits If I File My Tax Return Late?

You can still receive benefits after filing late, but your payments may be paused until the CRA processes your return. For example, the GST/HST credit, the Canada Child Benefit, and the Ontario Trillium Benefit will stop if you don't file on time. Once your return is assessed, any missed payments you're eligible for will typically be included in your next scheduled payment.

What Payment Options Are Available If I Owe Taxes?

You can pay your taxes online through your bank, by mail with a cheque, or through the CRA's My Payment service. If you can't pay in full by April 30, 2026, you can set up a payment arrangement through CRA My Account. The most important thing is to file your tax return on time to avoid the late filing penalty — even if you can't pay the full amount of your balance owing right away.

How Can Bree Help During Canadian Tax Season?

If you need cash to cover expenses while waiting for your refund, or if you owe a small balance to the CRA and want to avoid penalties and interest, Bree offers interest-free cash advances up to $750. There's no credit check, no mandatory fees, and no interest — ever. It's a faster, fairer alternative to payday loans or high-interest credit options during Canadian tax season.

Don't Miss the Last Day to File Taxes in 2026

If you haven't filed your 2025 personal income tax return, there's still time before the tax filing deadline — but don't wait until the last minute. Whether you file electronically, on paper, or at a free tax clinic, give yourself enough time to gather your tax slips, review your income and expenses, and claim any deductions and tax credits you're eligible for.

Remember: the deadline to file your 2025 income tax return is April 30, 2026. Missing the filing deadline can result in a late filing penalty, daily interest on your balance owing, and paused benefits and tax credits.

If you owe a small amount and need help covering it — or if you're waiting for your tax refund and need cash to get through — Bree offers interest-free cash advances up to $750 with no credit check and no hidden fees. It's a smarter alternative to payday loans or letting CRA penalties pile up.

File your taxes. Protect your benefits. And if you need a hand, Bree is here to help.

References:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/individual-income-tax-return-statistics.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2025/what-you-need-to-know-for-2025-tax-filing-season.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/02/legislation-passes-to-deliver-new-canada-groceries-and-essentials-benefit.html

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