Last Updated On 21 February 2026, 3:52 PM EST (Toronto Time)
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially announced that online tax filing for the 2025 tax year opens on February 23, 2026.
With more than 33 million tax returns processed last year and 93% filed online, the CRA is gearing up for another busy season that will distribute over $56 billion in benefit payments to Canadian families.
For newcomers and established residents alike, filing your tax return is essential to accessing benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the GST/HST credit.
Last year, Canadians received more than 19 million refunds averaging $2,000 each, with 79% delivered through direct deposit.
But how much you receive in benefits varies significantly depending on which province or territory you call home.
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CRA Tax Season 2026 Key Dates
Mark these important dates on your calendar to avoid penalties and ensure you receive your benefits on time.
February 23, 2026: Online tax filing opens. Make sure you have all your T4s, T5s, and other tax slips before you file. Most slips should be available by the end of February.
March 9, 2026: SimpleFile services open. If you have a lower income and simple tax situation, you may qualify to file through SimpleFile Digital or by phone. Check the CRA’s new eligibility questionnaire to see if you qualify.
April 30, 2026: Deadline for most individuals to file their tax return and pay any taxes owed. Missing this deadline means late-filing penalties and interest charges.
June 15, 2026: Extended filing deadline if you or your spouse/common-law partner are self-employed. However, any taxes owed must still be paid by April 30, 2026 to avoid interest.
Average CCB and GST/HST Credit by Province
The CRA has released province-by-province data showing how much eligible residents received in Canada Child Benefit payments and GST/HST credits last year.
These figures include any related provincial top-up programs, so the amounts can vary significantly based on where you live.
Understanding these regional differences is particularly valuable for newcomers deciding where to settle in Canada, as benefit amounts can make a meaningful difference to family budgets.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Average Payments
| Province/Territory | Average Annual CCB |
| Nunavut | $12,139 (Highest) |
| Manitoba | $9,296 |
| Saskatchewan | $8,768 |
| Alberta | $8,678 |
| Ontario | $8,624 |
| Nova Scotia | $8,400 |
| British Columbia | $8,239 |
| Northwest Territories | $8,083 |
| New Brunswick | $7,918 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $7,884 |
| Prince Edward Island | $7,865 |
| Quebec | $6,940 |
| Yukon | $6,331 (Lowest) |
The difference between the highest and lowest CCB payments is substantial at nearly $6,000 annually.
Nunavut’s significantly higher average reflects both the territory’s higher cost of living allowances built into benefit calculations and the demographic profile of families there.
Quebec’s lower federal CCB average is partly because the province has its own parallel family allowance program that supplements federal benefits.
GST/HST Credit Average Payments
| Province/Territory | Average Annual GST/HST Credit |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $1,114 (Highest) |
| Saskatchewan | $862 |
| New Brunswick | $733 |
| British Columbia | $629 |
| Northwest Territories | $629 |
| Nova Scotia | $608 |
| Prince Edward Island | $549 |
| Yukon | $503 |
| Nunavut | $481 |
| Manitoba | $479 |
| Alberta | $472 |
| Ontario | $467 |
| Quebec | $456 (Lowest) |
The GST/HST credit variations are influenced by provincial tax systems and income distributions.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s significantly higher average reflects the province’s lower average incomes, which increase eligibility for the full credit amount, combined with provincial top-ups.
Atlantic Canada generally sees higher GST/HST credit amounts due to similar demographic factors.
Online Filing Rates by Province
Canadians have embraced digital tax filing, with 93% of all returns submitted online last year. However, adoption rates vary slightly by region.
| Province/Territory | Online filing rate |
|---|---|
| Nunavut | 98% |
| Northwest Territories | 97% |
| Alberta | 96% |
| Ontario | 96% |
| Yukon | 96% |
| British Columbia | 95% |
| Manitoba | 95% |
| New Brunswick | 95% |
| Nova Scotia | 95% |
| Prince Edward Island | 95% |
| Saskatchewan | 95% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 93% |
| Quebec | 92% |
| Canada (national average) | 93% |
Free Tax Clinics: Over 1 Million Canadians Helped
If you need help filing your taxes and have a modest income, free tax clinics through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) offer an excellent option.
Last year, more than 1.069 million returns were filed through these clinics across Canada, helping individuals and families access the benefits they are entitled to.
Ontario saw the highest usage, with over 279,100 residents helped, followed by Quebec with 210,200 through its Income Tax Assistance Volunteer Program hosted by 570 organizations.
British Columbia helped 126,100 residents, and Alberta assisted 110,700 people through free clinics.
These clinics are particularly valuable for newcomers to Canada who may be unfamiliar with the Canadian tax system.
Volunteers can help you understand which slips you need and what deductions and credits you qualify for and ensure your return is filed correctly to maximize your benefits.
Many clinics offer services in multiple languages.
SimpleFile Services Open March 9
For Canadians with lower incomes and straightforward tax situations, the CRA’s SimpleFile services offer a streamlined filing option.
Available both digitally and by phone, SimpleFile is designed to make tax filing as easy as possible for those with simple returns.
SimpleFile services open on March 9, 2026, about two weeks after general online filing begins.
If you received an invitation from the CRA, you are pre-qualified to use this service. However, even without an invitation, you may still be eligible.
The CRA has introduced a new eligibility questionnaire that allows you to check whether you qualify for SimpleFile Digital.
SimpleFile is particularly useful for individuals whose only income comes from employment, pensions, or certain benefits, and who do not have complex deductions or credits to claim.
The service uses information the CRA already has on file to pre-populate your return, requiring minimal input from you.
Sign Up for Direct Deposit Before You File
One of the most important steps you can take before filing is to sign up for direct deposit with the CRA.
This ensures your tax refund and benefit payments arrive faster and more securely, deposited directly into your bank account at a Canadian bank or credit union.
Last year, 79% of the more than 19 million refunds issued were delivered by direct deposit, with an average refund amount of $2,000.
More than 1.1 million individuals signed up for direct deposit last year alone, bringing the total number enrolled to over 28 million Canadians.
You can sign up for direct deposit through your CRA My Account, through your bank’s online banking service, or by completing Form T1-DD and mailing it to the CRA.
Setting this up before you file means your refund will arrive as quickly as possible once your return is processed.
Update Your CRA Account Before Tax Season
If you already have a CRA My Account, now is the time to make sure your personal information is accurate and that you can still access your account.
Verifying your address, banking information, and contact details before tax season begins will save you time and prevent delays in receiving your refund or benefits.
When you sign in to your CRA account this year, you may be prompted to add a backup multi-factor authentication (MFA) option.
While you can skip this step, adding a backup method helps ensure you can always access your account even if your primary MFA method becomes unavailable.
If you have forgotten your CRA account sign-in information or the answers to your security questions, you may be able to regain access by completing the online registration process again.
The CRA reports that more than 64,000 individuals have already done this successfully.
New CRA Resources for 2026
The CRA has introduced several new or improved resources to help Canadians navigate tax season more easily this year.
Improved Personal Income Tax Web Page: The CRA has simplified its main tax information page with clearer organization and information to help you before, during, and after filing.
Enhanced GenAI Chatbot: The CRA’s AI-powered chatbot can now answer a wider range of questions, including more complex inquiries for businesses about tax credit eligibility and compliance information.
Taxology Podcast: The CRA’s official podcast provides tax information and tips in an accessible audio format, useful for those who prefer to learn while commuting or doing other activities.
Tax Filing Tips for Newcomers to Canada
If this is your first or second tax season in Canada, understanding the system is essential to accessing benefits you may be entitled to.
Even if you had little or no income during the year, filing a tax return ensures you receive credits like the GST/HST credit and, if you have children, the Canada Child Benefit.
You must file a Canadian tax return if you were a resident of Canada for any part of 2025 and earned income, owe taxes, or want to claim a refund or credits.
As a new resident, you report only income earned after you arrived in Canada, though you must report worldwide income for the period you were a resident.
Key documents newcomers need include their Social Insurance Number (SIN), all T4 slips from employers, T5 slips for investment income, rent receipts if claiming provincial rent credits, tuition receipts (T2202) if you were a student, and any other income documentation.
If you received income from outside Canada while resident here, you will need to report that as well.
Free tax clinics are especially valuable for newcomers as volunteers can walk you through the process and ensure you claim all the credits available to you.
Many newcomers qualify for the GST/HST credit and, if they have children under 18, the substantial Canada Child Benefit payments that can significantly support family budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When can I start filing my 2025 taxes?
Online tax filing opens on February 23, 2026. Make sure you have received all your tax slips before filing. Most employers and financial institutions issue slips by the end of February.
What is the deadline to file my tax return?
For most individuals, the deadline is April 30, 2026. If you or your spouse/common-law partner are self-employed, you have until June 15, 2026 to file, but any taxes owed must still be paid by April 30 to avoid interest.
How do I qualify for the Canada Child Benefit?
To receive CCB, you must file a tax return each year, live with a child under 18, be primarily responsible for the child’s care, and be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. Newcomers should file their taxes as soon as possible after arriving to begin receiving CCB payments.
What is SimpleFile and who can use it?
SimpleFile is a CRA service for Canadians with lower incomes and simple tax situations. It opens March 9, 2026 and is available digitally or by phone. You may receive an invitation, or you can check the CRA’s eligibility questionnaire to see if you qualify.
Where can I find a free tax clinic near me?
The CRA maintains a searchable database of free tax clinics across Canada. Visit the CRA website to find locations near you. Over 1 million Canadians used these services last year.
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