Filing your taxes doesn't have to be stressful. Here's a step-by-step guide for Canadian residents, updated for the 2026 tax year, which you'll file in spring 2027.
Step 1: Decide whether you need to file (you probably should)
You must file a return if, among other things, you owe tax, the CRA asks you to, you sold property (including your home), you have to contribute to CPP on self-employment income, or you need to repay amounts like Home Buyers' Plan withdrawals.
Even if you don't owe anything, filing is how you get benefits and credits such as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, the Canada Child Benefit, the Ontario Trillium Benefit, and the Canada Workers Benefit. No return means no payments.
Step 2: Gather your slips and receipts
Common slips include:
- T4: employment income
- T4A: pension, self-employment commissions, scholarships, and other income
- T4E: Employment Insurance benefits
- T5 and T3: investment income
- T5008: securities you sold
- RRSP and FHSA contribution receipts
- T2202: tuition
Also gather receipts for childcare, medical expenses, donations, moving expenses, and union or professional dues, plus your rent receipts or property tax bill if you'll apply for Ontario credits.
Step 3: Set up CRA My Account
My Account lets you see your slips, your RRSP and TFSA room, past returns, and your notices of assessment. Most certified tax software can also download your slips directly from the CRA, which reduces typing errors.
Step 4: Choose how to file
- Certified tax software that files electronically with the CRA
- A tax professional, who can file for you electronically
- A free tax clinic, if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation
- Paper, which is slower
Step 5: Report all your income
Include employment, self-employment, rental, investment, pension, and foreign income. Income from apps and platforms counts too, as do gains on crypto. Missing a slip is one of the most common reasons for a reassessment.
Step 6: Claim your deductions and credits
Deductions reduce your taxable income: RRSP and FHSA contributions, childcare expenses, moving expenses, union dues, and carrying charges. Credits reduce your tax: the basic personal amount, medical expenses, donations, tuition, and the disability tax credit, if you qualify. In Ontario, apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit on your return.
New for the 2026 tax year:
- The lowest federal tax rate is 14%.
- A top-up credit protects the value of large credit claims.
- Eligible personal support workers can claim the new PSW tax credit (up to $1,100).
- Construction tradespeople can deduct up to $10,000 under the Labour Mobility Deduction.
Step 7: File and pay on time
- April 30, 2027: filing and payment deadline for most people (CRA important dates)
- June 15, 2027: filing deadline if you or your spouse or common-law partner were self-employed (any balance owing is still due April 30)
If you owe and can't pay in full, file on time anyway. The late-filing penalty adds up quickly on top of interest.
Step 8: After you file
The CRA sends a notice of assessment. Check it against your return, note your RRSP deduction limit for next year, and keep your records for six years. If you spot a mistake, you can request a change online.
Sources
- Personal income tax, Government of Canada
- Important dates for individuals, Canada Revenue Agency
- After you file your tax return, Government of Canada
- Tax rates and income brackets for individuals, Canada Revenue Agency
Rather not do it yourself? Our personal tax service handles everything securely online.