Which situation are you?
Pick the one that sounds like you. We’ll point you to the hubs to read first.
Your path
Just arrived in Canada
Your first return sets up benefits and credits for the years ahead, even if you earned little or nothing here.
T1 General: Your main income tax returnSchedule 1: Federal taxRC151: GST/HST credit, new residents
Your path
Freelancer or side hustle
Business income goes on its own form, and the expenses you can back up are part of the picture.
T2125: Business or professional incomeGST/HST: Sales tax you may need to register forInstalments: Tax paid ahead during the year
Your path
Growing family
Filing on time keeps benefit payments coming. Both partners usually need to file, even with no income.
RC66: Canada child benefits applicationT778: Child care expenses deductionSchedule 5: Amounts for a spouse and dependants
Your path
Saving for a home
RRSP, TFSA and FHSA each work differently, and each shows up differently on your return.
FHSA: First home savings accountSchedule 7: RRSP, PRPP and FHSA activityRRSP receipt: Proof of your RRSP contributions
Topic hubs
T1 General: Your main income tax returnFirst return in CanadaYour first Canadian tax return, step by step: residency, the slips you need, and the credits newcomers often miss.Open hub Guides coming soonT2125: Business or professional incomeSelf-employed & side hustlesFreelance and side income in plain English: business income, expenses, GST/HST and instalments.Open hub Guides coming soonSchedule 7: RRSP, PRPP and FHSA activityRRSP / TFSA / FHSAHow each registered account works and what it means for your return at tax time.Open hub Guides coming soonRC66: Canada child benefits applicationBenefits & creditsThe Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit and the other benefits that depend on filing every year.Open hub Guides coming soonApr 30: File + payDeadlinesThe dates that matter in the Canadian tax year, starting with April 30 and June 15.Open hub Guides coming soon
The tax year
at a glance
Add to my calendar File + payApril 30Filing deadline for most people, and the payment deadline for everyone.
Self-employedJune 15Filing deadline if you or your spouse or common-law partner had self-employment income.
More datesDeadlines hubThe rest of the calendar, from RRSP season to instalments, is coming to the Deadlines hub. Fresh guides
First guides coming soon
The first plain-English guides are on their way. Pick a hub to see what each one will cover, or add the two key deadlines to your calendar now.