Key CRA tax deadlines
| Deadline | What is due | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| 60 days after year-end (around March 1) | RRSP contributions deductible for the previous year | Anyone contributing to an RRSP |
| March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15 | Instalment payments | People the CRA asks to pay by instalments |
| April 30 | T1 return and any balance owing | Most individuals, including the self-employed for payment |
| June 15 | T1 return for self-employed people and their spouses or partners | Self-employed individuals |
Which slips and forms do I need?
Most of what you file comes from slips issued to you by the end of February:
- T4: employment income and deductions from an employer.
- T4A: pensions, fees for services and other income.
- T5 and T3: investment income and trust distributions.
- RRSP contribution receipts: to claim the deduction.
- T2125: business or professional income if you are self-employed.
Upload your slips to TaxOrch and ask what goes where; it lists the lines and schedules that apply and flags missing slips. See document upload.
Taxes for self-employed Canadians
Self-employed people report business income and expenses on form T2125 and pay both the employee and employer shares of Canada Pension Plan contributions. With no employer withholding, the CRA may ask you to pay instalments during the year.
- Keep receipts for business expenses, vehicle use and a qualifying home office.
- Track income from every client and platform.
- Set money aside for income tax, CPP and any GST/HST you collect.
TaxOrch estimates your balance and instalments from your year-to-date figures. Read more in tax help for freelancers.
Deductions and credits to check
Common items include RRSP and FHSA deductions, childcare expenses, moving expenses, medical expenses, donations and the Canada workers benefit. Provinces and territories add their own credits. Limits change every year, so TaxOrch takes them from CRA figures for the year you ask about. Try the deduction finder.
When do I need to register for GST/HST?
You generally must register once your taxable supplies go over $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive calendar quarters; below that you are a small supplier and registration is optional. The rate depends on the province: GST alone, or harmonised sales tax (HST) in participating provinces. TaxOrch tracks your running total against the threshold.
How TaxOrch helps with Canadian taxes
- 1Upload your slipsT4s, T5s, receipts and invoices are read and checked for gaps.
- 2Get an estimateSee your likely refund or balance owing, with the working shown.
- 3Stay on scheduleThe dates for the RRSP deadline, instalments and filing dates, each with its official source.
TaxOrch does not file your return: you file through NETFILE-certified software or a tax professional. Firms can book a demo, request a demo account or offer TaxOrch under their own brand with a White-label licence.
When to talk to a tax professional
- You have received a CRA review, reassessment or audit letter.
- You are thinking of incorporating your business.
- You have foreign property or income, or you moved to or from Canada.
- You need to change a return from an earlier year.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Canadian tax filing deadline?
- April 30 for most individuals. Self-employed people and their spouses or common-law partners can file by June 15, but any balance owing is still due April 30.
Do I have to register for GST/HST as a freelancer?
- Generally yes once your taxable supplies go over $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. Below that you are a small supplier and can register voluntarily.
Can TaxOrch file my return with the CRA?
- No. TaxOrch does not file returns. It reads your slips, estimates what you owe and prepares a draft marked as not filed. You file through NETFILE-certified software or a tax professional.
Does TaxOrch cover provincial tax?
- Provincial tax is calculated on the same T1 return, and TaxOrch answers provincial questions where it can confirm the rule from official publications. Where it cannot, it says so.
Sources
Related on TaxOrch
- AI tax software for Canadian accountantsCited answers, withholding and review for firms.
- Tax help for freelancersInstalments, expenses and several clients.
- Tax calculatorEstimates with the working shown.
- Tax deadlinesEvery CRA due date, with its source.
- All countriesCountry guides and coverage levels.