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Tax · Apr 21, 2026 · 6 min read

CRA tax deadline 2026: last-minute checklist for Canadian filers

April 30, 2026 is the filing date for most Canadians. Late filing is still possible — here is the checklist of slips and credits that raises refunds and limits CRA interest.

Most individuals must file by April 30, 2026. The self-employed have until June 15 to file, but any balance owing is still due April 30.

Slips to have in hand

  • T4 for employment income, and T4A for pensions, scholarships and self-employed commissions.
  • T5 and T3 for investment income and trust distributions.
  • RRSP and FHSA contribution receipts, including the first sixty days of 2026.
  • T2202 for tuition, and receipts for medical expenses and childcare.
  • T5008 for securities dispositions, and your own record of adjusted cost base.

Credits that are commonly missed

  1. Medical expenses for any twelve-month period ending in the year — pooled on the lower-income spouse.
  2. Digital news subscriptions and eligible union or professional dues.
  3. Moving expenses, if you relocated at least 40 km closer to work or school.
  4. The disability tax credit, including transfers from a dependant.
  5. Carrying charges such as interest on money borrowed to invest.
Run it on your own numbersTFSA, RRSP and FHSA roomConfirm your contribution room before claiming a deduction.

If you are late

The late-filing penalty is 5% of the balance owing plus 1% per full month, to a maximum of twelve months. Interest compounds daily on top. File even if you cannot pay — filing stops the penalty, and a payment arrangement handles the rest.

Run it on your own numbersTax reserveSelf-employed? Set the reserve aside before the next deadline.

Figures are the published 2026 federal and provincial amounts at the time of writing. General information only, not financial, tax, or legal advice — see the methodology and disclaimer.