When are taxes due in Canada? Dates, how to file, how to pay and what to do if you are behind
Quick summary
For the 2025 tax year, the filing and payment deadline was April 30, 2026, and June 15, 2026 if you or your spouse were self-employed. Any balance owing was still due April 30. Most people can do their own return with certified software, or get free help. Behind? See theoptions by situation.
Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: CRA: Important dates for individuals (modified Sept. 17, 2026). See all 10 sources.
Due dates
| Tax year | File by | Pay by |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 (filed in 2026) | April 30, 2026. June 15, 2026 if you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed. | April 30, 2026 |
| 2026 (filed in 2027) | The CRA had not listed these dates when we checked. The usual dates are April 30 and June 15, so April 30, 2027 is a Friday and June 15, 2027 is a Tuesday. | Same as the usual filing date of April 30 |
Self-employed people get extra time to file, not extra time to pay. The CRA RRSP deadline for the 2025 tax year was March 2, 2026. Confirm the 2026 dates on the CRA page when they appear.
When you can file
The CRA opened NETFILE, its electronic filing system, on February 23, 2026 for 2025 returns. For the 2026 return the opening date had not been published when we checked, and it has usually been in February.
You can still file a 2025 return through NETFILE until January 29, 2027. NETFILE also covers earlier years, 2018 through 2025, and amended returns for 2022 through 2025 are sent through ReFILE.
What to gather before you file
- Your slips, such as T4, T4A and T5, and RRSP receipts. Many arrive by the end of February.
- Your CRA My Account. It lets you view your tax and benefit information, change your return or address, track documents you sent, and dispute an assessment.
- Auto-fill my return, a feature in tax software that fills in slips and some other items the CRA already has. It needs a CRA sign-in, and you must still check every field yourself.
Where to file
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Certified tax software (NETFILE) | The CRA lists certified products with their prices. Some are free, and some are free only for simple returns, modest incomes or certain provinces. Check the provider's page. |
| Free tax clinic | Volunteers prepare simple returns if your income is modest. Suggested limit: $40,000 for one person. |
| A tax professional | A good fit for business, rental or foreign income, or several missing years. Ask about the fee first. |
Can you do it yourself?
Yes. Most people file their own return with certified software. The CRA says you and the software company are responsible for using it correctly, and the CRA is not responsible for errors in the software's calculations. Check the developer's privacy policy yourself, and never send personal information by email.
Late fees
- If you owe tax and file late: 5% of the balance owing, plus 1% for each full month late, up to 12 months.
- Repeat late filers: 10% plus 2% a month, up to 20 months.
- Interest on unpaid tax: 7% for October 1 to December 31, 2026, compounded daily from the day after the due date.
How to pay what you owe
| Way to pay | Notes |
|---|---|
| Online banking | Add the CRA as a payee at some banks and credit unions. |
| CRA My Payment | Debit card, including through Apple Pay, Google Pay or Konek. Credit cards are not accepted. |
| Pre-authorized debit | Schedule it in My Account at least 5 business days before the first withdrawal. |
| Bank or credit union counter or ATM | Use a remittance voucher. At an ATM you may need to add the CRA as a payee. |
| Canada Post | Pay with debit or cash using a QR code. Service fees apply. |
| Mail, wire transfer or a third-party provider | Third-party providers charge their own fees. |
The CRA never accepts cryptocurrency, gift cards, traveller's cheques, cash by mail or foreign currency. If you cannot pay in full, ask for a payment arrangement.
If you are behind
- File the oldest missing year first.
- File even if you cannot pay, then pay what you can.
- Ask for a payment arrangement.
- Ask for relief of penalties and interest if you qualify.
- Use free help before you pay a stranger.
Provincial tax
Your return covers both federal and provincial income tax, so one deadline applies to both. See the 2026 rates for your province or territory.
Questions people ask
When are taxes due in Canada?
For the 2025 tax year, April 30, 2026 for most people, and June 15, 2026 if you or your spouse were self-employed. Any balance owing was due April 30.
When can I file my taxes in Canada?
The CRA opened NETFILE on February 23, 2026 for 2025 returns. You can still file a 2025 return through NETFILE until January 29, 2027.
Can I do my own taxes in Canada?
Yes. Most people file with CRA-certified software. Some software is free, and free clinics help people with modest incomes and simple returns.
What is the penalty for filing taxes late?
If you owe tax, 5% of the balance plus 1% for each full month late, up to 12 months. Interest is charged as well.
How do I pay my taxes to the CRA?
Through online banking, CRA My Payment with a debit card, pre-authorized debit, at a bank counter, through Canada Post, or by mail. Credit cards are not accepted.