When to Start Filing
The CRA typically opens NETFILE for the new tax year in late February. Most individuals have until April 30 to file and pay any balance owing; self-employed individuals have until June 15 to file, though any balance owing is still due April 30.
Filing early — as soon as you have all your slips — means a faster refund and more time to fix any issues before the deadline crunch.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you start, collect everything you'll need:
- T4 slips (employment income)
- T4A, T5, T3 slips (other income)
- RRSP contribution receipts
- Medical expense receipts
- Childcare expense receipts
- Tuition (T2202) if applicable
- Charitable donation receipts
- Prior year's Notice of Assessment
If you're self-employed or a landlord, add your income and expense records for the year — invoices, receipts, mileage logs, and rental statements.
Step 2: Decide How You'll File
There are three main ways to file a Canadian tax return:
| Method | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| NETFILE-certified software | Simple returns — one employer, no dependents, no self-employment | You're responsible for accuracy and catching every credit yourself |
| Hire a tax preparer | Self-employed, rental income, multiple income sources, or you'd rather not do it yourself | A trained preparer reviews your return before it's filed |
| Paper filing | First-time filers without a SIN on file, or CRA-restricted situations | Slower processing, longer refund wait |
Step 3: Prepare the Return
Whether you're using software or a preparer, this is where your income, deductions, and credits get entered and calculated. Common areas people miss:
- Medical expenses (often overlooked)
- Moving expenses (if you moved for work or school)
- Home office expenses (employees and self-employed)
- Provincial credits specific to your province
- Carried-forward tuition or RRSP room
Step 4: Review and Submit
Before submitting, double-check your personal information, direct deposit details, and that every slip you received is entered. Once submitted through NETFILE, you'll receive a confirmation number immediately — keep it for your records.
💡 First Time Filing in Canada?
If this is your first Canadian tax return, you may not be eligible for NETFILE yet — first-time filers sometimes need to paper-file or have a preparer submit on their behalf until the CRA has your SIN on record with a prior return. AppleTreeTax confirms your eligibility before filing.
Step 5: Keep Your Records
The CRA requires you to keep supporting documents for 6 years from the end of the tax year. Keep digital or physical copies of every slip, receipt, and your Notice of Assessment once it arrives.