Find out what's new for 2020 and your filing and payment due dates, gather your documents to report income and claim deductions, and choose how you want to file and send your completed tax return to the CRA.

Understand your rights as a taxpayer and who should file a tax return.

Steps to get ready for 2020 taxes

1. Find out what's new

   • How COVID-19 benefits impact your taxes

     Reporting COVID-19 amounts on your tax return, tax slip issues, options if you owe, and eligibility for interest relief

   • What's new for 2020 taxes

     Changes to benefits, credits, and expenses for individuals and families, and updates to the 2020 income tax package

2. Be aware of key dates for 2020 taxes

   Filing and payment due dates for taxes, contributions, instalment payments, and any amounts you may owe

   Filing dates for 2020 taxes

   • Apr 30, 2021: Deadline to file your taxes
   • Jun 15, 2021: Deadline to file your taxes if you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed

   Payment date for 2020 taxes

   • Apr 30, 2021: Deadline to pay your taxes

3. Know what to report and claim

   • Report your income

     What to report as income, including COVID-19 benefits, self-employment income, foreign investments, assets, or other earnings

   • Claim deductions, credits, and expenses

     Find and claim tax deductions, credits, and expenses such as home office expenses for employees or paid tax instalments

   • Get your tax slips

     Understand your tax slips like T4 and T4A, when you will receive them, and how to get copies

4. Keep your CRA information up-to-date

   • Update your personal information

     Tell us about changes to your address or marital status

   • Set up or change direct deposit

     Update or sign up for direct deposit through the CRA or your financial institution to get payments and refunds faster

5. Ways to do your taxes

   File your taxes online or by paper, or find other options to have someone else complete them for you:

   • Certified tax software (electronic filing)
   • Authorize a representative
   • Community volunteer tax clinic
   • Discounter (tax preparer)
   • Paper tax return
   • Automated phone line (File my Return)
   • Tax filing assistance from a CRA agent

6. Send us your completed tax return

   File your tax return online or mail us your completed tax return

7. Make a payment or wait for your refund

   • Have a balance owing

     Pay taxes you owed, options if you cannot pay, or arrange to pay over time

   • Getting a refund

     You will get a refund if you paid more taxes than needed

8. Review: After you file your tax return

   Get your notice of assessment, find out the status of your refund, or make a change to your tax return