Did you just move to Canada? Income Tax Filing is important to get the benefits and credits you deserve. These payments can help you financially.
When to File a Tax Return
Even if you lived in Canada for only part of the year, you must file a tax return if:
- You have to pay tax
- You want to claim a refund
You or your spouse/common-law partner wants to start or continue receiving benefit and credit payments
Canada’s tax system is based on your residency, not immigration status. If you’re unsure about your residency status for taxes, fill out Form NR74. Send it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for advice on your status.
You can start receiving benefit payments as soon as you arrive in Canada, even before filing your first tax return. However, to keep getting payments, you must file your tax return every year, even if you have no income.
Tax Benefits That Put Money in Your Pocket
Our Benefits Finder tool helps you see which benefits you may be eligible for. Some important tax credits and payments are:
GST/HST Credit: Paid every three months to people with low or modest incomes to help with GST or HST costs. This may include provincial or territorial credits.
Canada Carbon Rebate: For certain provinces, this helps people pay for federal pollution pricing.
Canada Child Benefit: A monthly payment to help families with children under 18. It may also include related provincial payments.
Tax-Filing Deadlines
The deadline for most people to file taxes is April 30, 2025. This is also the date to make any tax payments. Filing on time ensures there are no delays in your benefit payments and helps you avoid extra charges like interest.
If you are self-employed, you usually have until June 15, 2025 to file. But if you owe money, you must pay by April 30, 2025, to avoid interest charges.
Make Tax Filing Easier
To make things easier, register for direct deposit and file your tax return electronically using certified software. Some options are free! With electronic filing, you could get your refund in just eight business days. If you file a paper return, it could take up to eight weeks to process.
After You File Your Tax Return
Once the CRA processes your return, you’ll get a Notice of Assessment (NOA). It will show if you’re getting a refund or if you owe money. You can use this notice to register for a CRA account. With this account, you can easily change your address, update direct deposit details, and manage your tax information.
You can also choose to receive your CRA mail through email instead of paper. This means you’ll get an email when you have new information, like a NOA.
If you own a business, you can also use the CRA account to manage your business taxes.
Correcting Mistakes
If you made a mistake on your tax return or forgot to include something, don’t worry. Wait for your NOA, then check how to make changes. Submitting corrections online can speed up the process. Filing your income tax return may seem hard at first, but with the right help, it’s easy!