Today you can start filing your 2023 income tax and benefit return online. If you file on paper, you should have received your income tax package in the mail by today.
There are good reasons to file your income tax and benefit return on time, and now is the time to do it! If you have a refund or if you qualify for certain benefits and credits, filing a return on time can put money in your pockets.
Consider the housing credits. For first-time home buyers, there are benefits, credits, and other tax measures available to help with the purchase of your first home, such as the First Home Savings Account, the First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit, and the Home Buyers’ Plan. If you are a homeowner looking to upgrade your home to make it more accessible or to create a self-contained secondary unit for a senior or for an adult who qualifies for the disability tax credit, you may qualify for the Home Accessibility Tax Credit or the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, which can help stretch your budget.
If you have children aged 18 or younger, you may qualify for the Canada child benefit, including related provincial and territorial programs, and some families may be eligible for the Child disability benefit.
When you file a tax return, you may also be eligible for the Advanced Canada workers benefit, the GST/HST credit, including related provincial and territorial programs, or the Canada Carbon Rebate.
By using your My Account, you can easily manage your tax affairs online, and stay up-to-date on the status of a refund or a payment, and change your address or marital status. Don’t forget to check My Account on the overview page to see if you have any uncashed cheques.
Many Canadians have found NETFILE-certified tax software easy to use, fast, and a secure way to complete an income tax and benefit return. When you combine online filing with direct deposit, your refund could be in your bank account in as little as eight days. These are all good reasons to make this year your year to electronically file your income tax and benefit return!
Did you know you could be eligible for free tax help if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation? Organizations across Canada host free in-person and virtual tax clinics through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. If you live in Quebec, tax clinics are offered through the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program. By choosing not to file, you may miss out on benefits and credits you would be entitled to, which means less money in your bank account. It’s important to file your return even if you have little or no income to declare.
Don’t forget that April 30, 2024, is the deadline for most Canadians to file their tax return. If you owe money to the CRA, this is also the payment due date. You have until June 15, 2024, to file your tax return if you’re self-employed. But if you owe money, you must pay by April 30, 2024, to avoid interest. If you have self-employment income, the CRA does provide free tax help to help small business owners and self-employed individuals to help them understand their tax obligations through meetings with a Liaison Officer.
Beware of scammers pretending to be CRA agents and trying to trick you into giving them money. Check out the CRA’s scam prevention resources and stay updated on the latest scams affecting Canadians.
