Do my taxes for the first time Canada?
Sarah Duran
Published Feb 24, 2026
You can start filing taxes in mid-February, and the deadline is typically the end of April. If you’re self-employed, the deadline to file your taxes is typically mid-June. Of course, the dates change each year. Visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s site for specific dates.
When can I file my 2020 taxes Canada?
As usual, April 30 is the date most Canadians need to keep in mind. For the majority of tax filers, this is the deadline to both pay any tax due and file returns. If you’re self-employed, this year you have until June 15 to file. Remember, though, that if you owe taxes, you still need to pay up by April 30.
How do I make a first time CRA account?
Step 1 – Provide personal information
- Enter your social insurance number.
- Enter your date of birth.
- Enter your current postal code or ZIP code.
- Enter an amount you entered on one of your income tax and benefit returns.
- Create a CRA user ID and password.
- Create your security questions and answers.
When to file your first tax return in Canada?
Once you have established your residential ties to Canada, it is important to file that first tax return in order to start receiving benefits, such as the GST credit and the Canada Child Benefit. Only by filing a tax return can you claim these benefits.
How to file your own taxes in Canada?
File your own taxes, either online or by paper, or find other options to have someone else complete them for you: 1 Certified tax software (electronic filing) 2 Authorize a representative 3 Community volunteer tax clinic 4 Discounter (tax preparer) 5 Paper tax return 6 Automated phone line (File my Return)
What should I do at tax time in Canada?
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) advises you to keep your tax records and documentation for 6-years post filing, in case your return is selected for review. To help, we have provided a checklist to help you identify what documents you should be gathering at tax time.
How to calculate your tax return in Canada?
Every year, millions of Canadians fill out and send an income tax and benefit return to the CRA. By filling out a return, you will calculate how much tax you owe or how much you will get as a refund from the taxes you already paid.