Get ready to do your taxes – Personal income tax

To receive the benefits and credits you may be eligible for, you need to file your income tax and benefit return every year. Start by gathering 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 2024 taxes

1. Learn what's new for 2024 taxes

   Changes to benefits, credits, and expenses for individuals and families, and updates to the 2024 income tax package.

2. Be aware of key dates for 2024 taxes

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

   Filing dates for 2024 taxes

   • February 24, 2025: Earliest day to file your taxes online
   • April 30, 2025: Deadline to file your taxes
   • June 15, 2025 (June 16, 2025, since June 15 is a Sunday): Deadline to file your taxes if you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed

   Payment date for 2024 taxes

   • April 30, 2025: Deadline to pay your taxes

3. Know what to report and claim

   • Report your income

     What to report as income, including self-employment income, foreign investment income, income from assets, or other earnings.

   • Claim deductions, credits, and expenses

     Find and claim tax deductions and credits, and get information on tax instalments and expenses.

   • Get your tax slips

     Understand your tax slips such as the T4 and T4A, when you will receive them, and how to get copies.

4. Keep your CRA information up-to-date

   Change your address, phone number, name, or marital status with the CRA. Register for direct deposit and keep it up-to-date to get your payments and refunds faster.

5. Ways to do your taxes

   You can file your taxes online or by paper, or find other options such as having someone else complete them for you. Options include:

   • NETFILE-certified tax software (electronic filing)
   • Through a tax preparer using EFILE-certified tax software (electronic filing)
   • Community volunteer tax clinic
   • Paper tax return
   • SimpleFile services (by invitation only)

6. Send us your completed tax return

   File your tax return online or mail your completed tax return to your tax centre.

7. Make a payment or wait for your refund

   • Have a balance owing

     Pay the taxes you owe, arrange to pay over time, or see options if you cannot pay.

   • Getting a refund

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

8. 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.

If you need more information, you can get answers to frequently asked questions. You can also find out the standard processing times for tax returns and other tax-related requests.