Key tax dates and deadlines for the 2025 tax season
Mark the key dates for filing, RRSP contributions and receiving tax slips. Netfile opens Feb. 23; most taxpayers must file and pay by Apr. 30, while self-employed filers have until June 15.
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By Torontoer Staff
Tax season is approaching, and having the calendar set will make filing smoother. Important dates include the Netfile launch, the final day to get T slips from employers, the RRSP contribution deadline, and tax filing and payment deadlines.
Plan document gathering and payments early. Missing deadlines can trigger penalties and interest, and some steps, such as getting official slips from employers or financial institutions, can take several days.
The deadlines are coming pretty fast, and it’s important not to wait until the last minute. There are a lot of documents you need to gather. Sometimes it may take a few days before you can get your hands on a document.
H&R Block tax expert
Important dates at a glance
- Monday, Feb. 23: CRA Netfile service opens, the earliest day to file online.
- Friday, Feb. 27: Employers and payers must issue T4s, T4As and T5s.
- Monday, March 2: Deadline to contribute to your RRSP for the 2025 tax year.
- Thursday, April 30: Deadline for most individuals to file and to pay any balance owing.
- Monday, June 15: Filing deadline for those who are self-employed, or have a spouse or common-law partner who is self-employed.
How to prepare before you file
Collecting documents and organising receipts cuts time off your filing process. Start by confirming the slips you should receive and checking your CRA My Account for electronic copies.
- Confirm T slips: T4, T4A, T5 and any other income slips from employers, banks or pension plans.
- Gather RRSP contribution receipts, charitable donation receipts and medical or childcare receipts you plan to claim.
- Check investment and rental income records, capital gains or losses documentation, and any business income and expense records if applicable.
- Set up or review your CRA My Account to see notices, slips and your carryforward amounts.
- Choose NETFILE-certified tax software if you plan to file online, or confirm your tax preparer’s schedule.
Filing, payments and penalties
Most individuals must file and pay any balance owing by April 30. Self-employed filers have until June 15 to file, but any tax owing is still due on April 30. Paying late triggers interest charges on the unpaid balance.
The late-filing penalty starts at 5 percent of the balance owing plus 1 percent for each full month the return is late, up to 12 months. Repeated failure to file within three years can increase the penalty. Interest on unpaid taxes compounds daily at the CRA’s prescribed rate and applies from the day after the payment due date.
Netfile, certified software and the new automatic filing option
Netfile opens on Feb. 23, and most taxpayers can use it to submit returns electronically via CRA-certified software. Filing online tends to be faster for processing refunds and for receiving notices from the CRA.
The CRA’s new automatic tax filing initiative allows the agency to file a return for eligible low-income Canadians. If you qualify, the CRA will use the slips it holds to prepare a return. Review any auto-filed return carefully before accepting it, and opt out if the return is incomplete or incorrect.
When to contact an advisor
Contact a tax preparer or accountant if you have complex income sources, significant capital gains or losses, business income, or questions about claims and deductions. Professional advice can help you avoid errors that lead to reassessments or penalties.
If you expect difficulty paying an amount owing by April 30, contact the CRA early to discuss payment arrangements. Proactively arranging a payment plan can reduce interest and penalties compared with not making arrangements.
Mark these dates on your calendar, gather your slips and receipts now, and pick a filing method that works for your situation. Early preparation reduces last-minute stress and helps you avoid avoidable fees.
taxespersonal financeRRSPCRA
