What you need to know for the 2026 tax-filing season

The 2026 tax season is just around the corner! Filing your taxes can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, you can make the process faster, easier, and more straightforward.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is ready to provide reliable service during this year’s tax season. They are continuing to improve security, reduce wait times, and expand digital services to help Canadians get timely support and accurate refunds, benefits, or credit payments.

Here’s a quick guide to the key dates and what you need to prepare:

Important Dates and Deadlines

February 23, 2026 – You can start filing your 2025 income tax and benefit return online. Before filing, make sure you have received all your tax slips:

Most tax slips are issued by employers or financial institutions by the end of February.

CRA account holders can access slips online once the CRA processes them.

If any slips are missing by the end of March, contact the issuer directly.

April 30, 2026 – This is the deadline for most individuals to file their 2025 income tax return and pay any taxes owed. Filing on time helps you avoid late-filing penalties and interest.

June 15, 2026 – This is the deadline for self-employed individuals (and their spouses or common-law partners) to file their 2025 income tax return. Note that any taxes owed are still due by April 30 to avoid interest charges.

Tips for a Smooth Filing Experience

• Gather all necessary tax slips and documents before filing.

  
  

• File as early as possible to avoid the end-of-season rush.

  
  

• Take advantage of CRA’s digital services for faster processing.

  
  

Source: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – What you need to know for the 2026 tax-filing season: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/what-you-need-for-2026-tax-filing-season.html

This article is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CRA.

*This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional tax advice.

While the content is based on guidance from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), it may not reflect your specific tax situation. For personalized tax advice, please consult our tax professionals or contact the CRA directly.