Question 1

What is the tax filing deadline in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The T1 personal income tax return deadline is April 30 each year (for most Canadians). Self-employed individuals and their spouses have until June 15 to file — but any taxes owed are still due April 30 to avoid interest charges. Deceased persons have special rules. RRSP contributions must be made by March 1 to count toward the previous tax year. Interest on overdue taxes accrues at the CRA prescribed rate plus 4%.

Question 2

What is the best free tax software in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Wealthsimple Tax (formerly SimpleTax) is the most widely recommended free tax software for Canadian individuals. It handles T4, T5, investment income, RRSP slips, and most personal tax situations at no charge. TurboTax and H&R Block offer free tiers with limitations. StudioTax (Windows) and GenuTax are fully free. All NETFILE-certified software allows direct electronic filing with the CRA.

Question 3

Can I file my taxes for free in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes — several options: (1) Wealthsimple Tax (free for most situations); (2) TurboTax Free (basic T4 returns); (3) H&R Block Free (limited); (4) StudioTax (Windows, fully free); (5) GenuTax (free); (6) Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) — in-person filing help for low-income Canadians and newcomers. NETFILE allows electronic filing directly with the CRA through any certified software.

Question 4

Should I use tax software or hire an accountant?

Accepted Answer

Use tax software if: your return is straightforward (T4 employment, RRSP, TFSA, simple investments, no business income). Hire an accountant or tax professional if: you have self-employment income, rental properties, a small business, significant capital gains, foreign income, complex deductions, or you haven't filed in multiple years. CPAs charge $150–$500+ for personal returns depending on complexity. The cost is usually tax-deductible if you have business income.

Question 5

What are the most commonly missed tax deductions in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Frequently missed deductions and credits: RRSP contributions, FHSA deductions, professional dues and union fees, moving expenses (if you moved for work or school), home office expenses (employment T2200 required), vehicle expenses for employment, tuition transfer from a dependent, childcare expenses, medical expenses (threshold applies), first-time home buyers' tax credit, Canada training credit, and disability tax credit for eligible individuals.

Date	Deadline
RRSP contribution deadline	March 1
T4 slip deadline (employers)	Last day of February
Personal return filing deadline	April 30
Self-employed filing deadline	June 15 (tax owing still due April 30)
First instalment (if required)	March 15
TFSA withdrawal room restored	January 1 of following year

Software	Best For	Cost
Wealthsimple Tax	Individuals, investments	Free (pay-what-you-can)
TurboTax Free	Simple T4 returns	Free (basic)
H&R Block Basic	Simple returns	Free
StudioTax	Windows users	Free
GenuTax	Windows users	Free

Software	Best For	Cost (approx.)
TurboTax Standard/Premier	Complex investments, self-employment	$25–$60
H&R Block Full Service	Professional review	$75–$200
UFile	Families, students	$20–$30
CloudTax Pro	Self-employed	$50

How to File Taxes in Canada: Complete Guide 2026

Tax filing overview

Key dates

How to file

Choosing tax software

Free options

Paid options

Tax filing articles

Guides & how-to

Tax software reviews

Deductions, credits & optimization

Situations and troubleshooting

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