The fastest way to a smooth tax season is having everything in one place before you start. Use this checklist to gather your documents for your 2026 tax return, which most people file by April 30, 2027.
Personal information
- Your social insurance number, plus your spouse's or common-law partner's
- Any change in marital status during the year, and the date
- Dependants' names, birth dates, and any income they had
- Your current address and direct deposit details (check them in CRA My Account)
- Last year's notice of assessment, which shows your RRSP deduction limit (CRA)
- Any letters the CRA sent you during the year
Income slips and records
- T4: employment income
- T4A: pensions, commissions, scholarships, and other income
- T4A(OAS) and T4A(P): Old Age Security and CPP benefits
- T4E: Employment Insurance benefits
- T5 and T3: interest, dividends, and trust income
- T5008: securities you sold (you'll also need your cost base)
- T4RSP or T4RIF: RRSP or RRIF withdrawals
- FHSA slips if you contributed to or withdrew from a First Home Savings Account
- Records of foreign income, crypto trades, and income from apps or platforms
- Rental property: rent collected and expenses
- Self-employment: income and expense records, HST returns, and a vehicle logbook
Deductions
- RRSP contribution receipts for contributions made in 2026, plus any made from January 1 to March 1, 2027 that you want to deduct on your 2026 return. Contributions you haven't deducted on an earlier return can be claimed too.
- FHSA contribution receipts
- Childcare receipts, with the provider's name and SIN if it's an individual
- Moving expenses, if you moved at least 40 km closer to a new job or school
- Union and professional dues (usually on your T4)
- Form T2200 from your employer if you're claiming home office or other employment expenses
- Support payments and carrying charges, like investment management fees
Credits
- Medical expense receipts for you, your spouse or partner, and your dependants
- Charitable donation receipts
- Tuition slips (T2202) and student loan interest statements
- Disability tax credit approval, if you or a dependant has it
- Home accessibility renovation receipts, if you're a senior or eligible for the disability tax credit
- If you're a personal support worker, your employer's certification of eligible earnings for the new PSW credit
Ontario-specific
- Rent receipts or your property tax bill, to apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit
- Your address on December 31, which decides your province of residence for the year
Key dates
- March 1, 2027: RRSP contribution deadline for 2026
- April 30, 2027: filing and payment deadline for most people (CRA)
- June 15, 2027: filing deadline if you or your spouse or partner had self-employment income (any balance owing is still due April 30)
Tips
- Don't file before you have all your slips. Many slips are due by the end of February, and some come later in March.
- Use CRA My Account to see the slips the CRA already has, so nothing gets missed.
- Keep everything for six years, in case the CRA asks.
Sources
- Important dates for individuals, Canada Revenue Agency
- Personal income tax, Government of Canada
- Lines 33099 and 33199: Eligible medical expenses, Canada Revenue Agency
- Line 21400: Child care expenses, Canada Revenue Agency
- Line 21900: Moving expenses, Canada Revenue Agency
- Contributing to an RRSP or PRPP, Canada Revenue Agency
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