Filing your 2025 Canadian tax return
Most Canadians must file by April 30, 2026. Self-employed filers have until June 15 — but any balance owing is always due April 30.
Estimate your late-filing penalty
If you owe nothing, there is no penalty — just file.
Enter the amount you owe. If you're getting a refund, leave this at $0 — there's no penalty.
Complete months past the April 30, 2026 deadline.
Both conditions must apply. If you're unsure, leave unchecked.
No penalty — you don't owe any tax. File as soon as possible to avoid delays to your benefits.
Filing guides
Slips Checklist
Every slip you need before you start
19 common slips
Free NETFILE Software
CRA-certified options that cost nothing
5 free options
2025 Credits & Deductions
Commonly missed amounts for 2025
Save money
Life Events
What changed in 2025 affects your return
8 checklists
Amend a Return
Fix mistakes on a filed return
ReFILE or T1-ADJ
Can't Pay?
File on time, arrange payments, avoid the worst
No penalty if $0 owing
Filing Late?
Penalties, interest, and damage control
Deadline passed
Frequently asked questions
When is the deadline to file my 2025 tax return?
Most Canadians must file by April 30, 2026. If you or your spouse/common-law partner had self-employment income in 2025, you have until June 15, 2026 to file — but any balance owing is still due April 30. Interest starts accruing from May 1 on any unpaid amount.Do I have to file if I didn't earn income in 2025?
You're not legally required to file a return if you have no income and no taxes owing — but you should still file. Filing is the only way to receive the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and other income-tested benefits. TFSA contribution room also accumulates only from the year you file and turn 18. Filing a nil return takes minutes and keeps your benefit entitlements intact.What happens if I file late?
If you have no balance owing, there is no late-filing penalty — just file as soon as you can. If you owe tax, the penalty is 5% of the balance owing immediately, plus 1% per complete month late, up to 12 months (maximum 17%). Repeat offenders who were penalized in any of the three prior years and received a CRA demand to file face a higher rate: 10% + 2% per month up to 20 months. Interest also compounds daily on the unpaid balance from May 1.Can I file my 2025 return for free?
Yes. Wealthsimple Tax is completely free for all situations with no income limit. GenuTax Standard and StudioTax (up to 20 returns per year) are also fully free. TurboTax Free and H&R Block Free offer free basic tiers but may prompt upgrades for more complex returns. All are NETFILE-certified for 2025.What if I can't pay what I owe?
File your return on time regardless. Filing on time stops the 5% late-filing penalty — only interest accrues on an unpaid balance, and interest is far less expensive than penalty plus interest. After filing, pay what you can and contact CRA at 1-888-863-8657 or through My Account to set up a payment arrangement. CRA is generally cooperative with taxpayers who reach out proactively.I made a mistake on my already-filed return — what do I do?
Don't file a new return. Use ReFILE inside your existing NETFILE software — it's the fastest method and is available for 2022–2025 T1 returns. If your software doesn't support ReFILE, submit a T1-ADJ (Adjustment Request) through CRA My Account online or mail the paper form to your tax centre. Wait until you've received your Notice of Assessment before amending.