Filing your taxes might seem like a big task, but with the right information and documents, it becomes much easier. Whether it’s your first time filing or you just need a refresher, this quick guide will walk you through everything you’ll need to gather before you start.
✅ 1. Personal Information
Before anything else, make sure you have the basics on hand:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Direct deposit info (bank account number, transit number, and institution number — if you want your refund deposited directly)
- Notice of Assessment from last year (if available)
✅ 2. Income Slips (T-Slips)
These are documents that report the income you earned throughout the year. Depending on your job or financial situation, you might receive:
- T4 — Employment income
- T4A — Scholarships, pensions, or self-employment income
- T5 — Investment income
- T5007 — Workers’ compensation or social assistance
- T4E — Employment insurance benefits
- T4RSP / T4RIF — RRSP or retirement income
- RC62 — Universal Child Care Benefit
- T2202 — Tuition and education amounts (for students)
Don’t worry if you don’t have them all — just the ones that apply to your situation!
✅ 3. Receipts for Deductions & Credits
Keep receipts for anything that may help reduce your tax bill or increase your refund:
- RRSP contributions
- Childcare expenses
- Medical and dental expenses
- Public transit passes (if eligible)
- Charitable donations
- Union or professional dues
- Moving expenses (if you moved 40km+ for work or school)
- Tuition and education fees (for yourself or a dependent)
- Interest on student loans
- Home office expenses (if you worked from home)
Pro tip: Organize these into folders or scan them to keep a digital copy — it’ll make next year even easier!
✅ 4. Government Benefit Information
If you received any government benefits in 2024, such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credit, you’ll likely get a slip in the mail or via your CRA My Account. These might not be taxable, but they’re still important for calculating your total income or benefits.
✅ 5. CRA My Account Access (Optional but Helpful)
Registering for a CRA My Account lets you:
- Check your Notice of Assessment
- Use the Auto-fill My Return feature
- View past returns and tax slips
- Update your banking and personal information
Sign up early — it can take a few days to verify your identity.
🗓 Important Dates
- First day to file online: February 24, 2025
- Deadline to file & pay: April 30, 2025
- Self-employed deadline: June 15, 2025 (but payment is still due April 30)
🎯 Final Tip
Don’t leave it to the last minute. Start gathering your documents early — that way, you’ll avoid the stress and be ready to claim your refund or avoid penalties.
Need help? Many communities offer free tax clinics if you meet certain criteria (seniors, students, newcomers, low-income families, etc.). Don’t be afraid to reach out!