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Filing Your First Canadian Tax Return

Taxes are one of the less exciting parts of moving to Canada, but filing a return is also how you access many credits and benefits. Here's the basic rhythm of the Canadian tax year.

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How the tax year works

The tax year is the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. You file a return for the previous year, usually between February and April. For most people the filing deadline is April 30. If you or your spouse are self-employed the filing deadline is typically June 15, but any tax you owe is still due April 30.

Taxes are collected by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Provinces and territories also collect tax, usually through the same return. Quebec is different: residents file a separate provincial return with Revenu Québec.

What you'll need

  • A SIN. You can't file without one. See our guide to the SIN.
  • Your tax slips. Employers send a T4 by the end of February, banks send a T5 for interest earned, and students receive a T2202 for tuition.
  • Receipts for expenses you may be able to claim, such as tuition, childcare or some medical costs
  • The date you arrived in Canada, which affects how a first-year return is prepared

Newcomers and tax residency

Generally, once you become a resident of Canada for tax purposes you're taxed on your worldwide income from the date you establish residency. Income earned before you arrived usually isn't taxed in Canada, though you may need to report it in some cases. Because first-year returns can be more complicated, it's worth getting help.

How to file

  1. Step 1: Create a CRA My Account

    It lets you see your slips, notices and benefit payments online. Setting it up takes a few minutes with your SIN and some personal details.

  2. Step 2: Choose how to file

    Most people use CRA-certified tax software, and many options have a free version. If your situation is simple and your income is modest, you may qualify for free help from a volunteer through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

  3. Step 3: Submit before the deadline

    Filing electronically is usually fastest. You'll receive a Notice of Assessment summarizing the result. Keep it: it's useful proof of income and shows your RRSP deduction limit.

Navak provides general information only. It is not legal, immigration, financial or tax advice.

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