Tax season is approaching. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) deadline for most Canadians is April 30, 2026. Save this page for a concise overview of important dates, tax rates, filing tips and resources to help you prepare your 2025 personal income tax return. We’ll update it as new information and deadlines are confirmed.
We also draw on our Ask MoneySense archive for expert answers to common tax questions. First, here are the key changes for the 2025 tax year.
What’s new for the 2025 tax year?
New bottom-bracket tax rate: Following the April 28, 2025 federal election, the federal government reduced the tax rate on the first $57,375 of taxable income from 15% to 14%, effective July 1, 2025. For the 2025 tax year, the applicable rate is effectively 14.5% because the year is split between the old and new rates. Unless changed again, the 2026 bottom rate will be 14%.
Paper returns are no longer mailed automatically: The CRA has stopped proactively sending paper T1 packages to past users. With fewer Canadians filing on paper each year, only about 7% used paper returns recently. If you still prefer a paper return, you can order one to be mailed to you via the CRA website, call the CRA at 1-855-330-3305, or pick up a blank T1 form at a post office or federal office. Alternatively, the CRA offers online filing options and services such as Auto-fill my return, SimpleFile for eligible low-income filers, and free community tax clinics run by not-for-profit organizations.
Canada Disability Benefit: Adults of working age who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit may now qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, which provides up to $200 per month based on household net income. The benefit became available in June 2025; enrolling now will make payments retroactive to that date.
Digital News Subscription Tax Credit eliminated: The non-refundable credit that provided up to $75 per year for subscriptions to Canadian news organizations has been discontinued for the 2025 tax year.
2025 income tax guide table of contents
- Tax-related dates to know
- How much tax will you pay for 2025?
- How to file an income tax return in Canada
- Ask MoneySense tax questions
Why trust us
MoneySense is an award-winning personal finance magazine serving Canadians since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists collaborates with leading Canadian financial experts to deliver clear, practical guidance. We also compare financial products from banks, credit unions and card issuers to help you make informed choices. Learn more about our advertising and partners.
Important dates and deadlines
Below are key deadlines for the 2025 tax year, including when to expect tax slips, RRSP contribution cut-offs, and filing dates. Keep these dates in mind when planning contributions, payments and filing.
| Tax action item | Deadline(s) |
|---|---|
| GST/HST for business owners | See your GST34-2 form; deadline depends on your reporting period. |
| Tax installment dates for 2026 tax year (self-employed, rental or investment income, etc.) | March 15, 2026 June 15, 2026 September 15, 2026 December 15, 2026 |
| Tax installment date for 2026 for self-employed in farming/fishing | December 31, 2026 |
| Deadline for employers to issue your T4 | March 2, 2026 |
| Last day to contribute to RRSPs for those aged 71 in 2025 | December 31, 2025 |
| Last day to open, contribute to and apply for grant-matching for an RDSP for 2025 | December 31, 2025 |
| Netfile opens for filing 2025 taxes | Expected to open February 23, 2026 (set by CRA) |
| Last day to contribute to RRSPs for 2025 for those up to 70 years of age | March 2, 2026 |
| Deadline to file your taxes (Canadians and non-residents, unless you and/or your spouse is self-employed) | April 30, 2026 |
| Deadline to pay outstanding taxes, regardless of filing date | April 30, 2026 |
| Deadline to file your tax return if you and/or your spouse are self-employed | June 15, 2026 |
| Deadline to file and pay taxes for someone who died, if they passed between January 1 and October 31, 2025 | April 30, 2026 |
| Deadline to file and pay taxes for someone who died, if they passed between November 1 and December 31, 2025 | Six months after the date of death |
What happens if you miss the income tax deadline in Canada?
If you owe income tax, interest starts accruing the day after the filing deadline — from May 1, 2026 in this case. The CRA can also apply penalties: a late-filing penalty is generally 5% of the balance owing plus 1% for each full month you fail to file, up to 12 months. If you’ve missed filing for three years in a row, penalties can increase to 10% of the balance owing plus 2% for each full month between the original due dates and when you file.
Further reading on deadlines:
Can you file multiple years of income taxes together in Canada?
Late filers: Get your back taxes sorted before year-end
Return to top.
Also read
Selling assets? Read our capital gains guide
How much tax will you pay for 2025?
Your final tax bill depends on total taxable income, the tax withheld at source (shown on your T4), any instalments you paid, and the deductions and credits you claim. Estimating taxes early can help you decide whether to increase RRSP contributions, time charitable donations or adjust installments to avoid surprises.
Below are the federal tax brackets applicable to 2025:
| Annual income (taxable) | Tax brackets | Tax rates | Maximum taxes per bracket | Maximum total tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $57,375 | The first $57,375 | 14.5%* | $8,319.38 | $8,319.38 |
| $57,375 to $114,750 | The next $57,375 | 20.5% | $11,761.88 | $20,081.26 ($8,319.38 + $11,761.88) |
| $114,750 to $177,882 | The next $63,132 | 26% | $16,414.32 | $36,495.58 ($20,081.26 + $16,414.32) |
| $177,882 to $253,414 | The next $75,532 | 29% | $21,904.28 | $58,399.86 ($36,495.58 + $21,904.28) |
| Over $253,414 | Over $253,414 | 33% | N/A | N/A |
* The federal bottom rate changed from 15% to 14% effective July 1, 2025. Because the year is split between the old and new rates, the blended rate for 2025 is 14.5%.
Every taxpayer also benefits from the federal basic personal amount, which reduces taxable income. For 2025 the basic personal amount is $16,129, meaning the first $16,129 of income is not subject to federal tax. Provincial and territorial taxes are charged in addition to federal tax; check your province’s brackets to estimate total tax.
Return to top.
How to file an income tax return in Canada
You can file your return yourself on paper, prepare it with tax software, or hire an accountant or tax professional. Choose the method that suits your confidence and complexity of your situation. Ensure you understand which deductions or credits you claim and whether you will owe tax or receive a refund.
If you haven’t already, register for the CRA’s My Account. This secure portal shows the returns you’ve filed, notices of assessment, amounts owing, and upcoming deadlines. My Account also helps you check RRSP contribution room, TFSA room and set up direct deposit.
Most tax software platforms can, with your permission, auto-fill parts of your T1 using CRA-authorized Auto-fill my return data, saving time and reducing manual entry. There are also options such as SimpleFile for eligible low-income filers and community tax clinics.
Read more about filing income taxes:
How to fill out a personal income tax return
How to file your taxes online in Canada
How to set up CRA direct deposit
Return to top.
Business, investment, and other income
Employment income is typically reported on a T4 slip your employer issues within the first two months of the year. The T4 records earnings, income tax deducted at source, Employment Insurance (EI) contributions and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions. You will also receive T-slips for interest, dividends and government benefits.
It’s your responsibility to report other income such as self-employment earnings, rental income, taxable capital gains from sales of property, and income from digital platforms. If you earn income outside traditional employment, plan for instalments or withholding so you don’t face large balances owing at tax time.
Read more about taxes for business owners and investors:
Do you have to make quarterly tax remittances in Canada?
Capital gains tax in Canada, explained
How income from digital platforms is taxed in Canada
How is investment income taxed in Canada?
Return to top.
Ask MoneySense about taxes
Our readers send us tax questions every day. We consult with experts and publish answers that address common and practical tax concerns. If you have a question, email AskMoneySense.ca and we may feature it in a future column.
Here are some popular Ask MoneySense tax topics you may find useful:
- How the GST/HST tax credit works
- What are the tax implications of donating to charity?
- What’s my RRSP contribution limit?
- Retirement taxes explained: Withholding, clawbacks, and other surprises
- RRIF and LIF withdrawal rates: Everything you need to know
- The tax implications of moving to Quebec
Ask MoneySense