Learn key Canadian tax filing deadlines for 2025, avoid penalties, and maximize your tax return with our comprehensive guide to important submission dates.
Getting your taxes filed on time isn’t just about staying on the right side of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – it’s about avoiding unnecessary penalties and interest charges that can really add up. Let’s break down all the important tax deadlines you need to know for 2025.
Personal Tax Return Deadlines
For most Canadians, April 30, 2025, is the big day. This is when your personal tax return (T1) needs to be filed and any taxes owing must be paid. But there are some important exceptions worth noting.
- If you or your spouse are self-employed, you get until June 15, 2025, to file your return
- Even if you’re self-employed, any taxes owing are still due by April 30, 2025
- If either date falls on a weekend, the deadline moves to the next business day
As our experienced team at Myers Tax can tell you, waiting until the last minute isn’t the best strategy. Getting your documents organized early helps ensure accuracy and gives you time to maximize your deductions.
Corporate Tax Filing Deadlines
Corporate tax deadlines work differently than personal ones. Your filing deadline depends on your corporation’s fiscal year-end:
- Returns are due 6 months after your fiscal year-end
- Corporate taxes must be paid within 2 or 3 months after your year-end, depending on your company’s status
- Small Canadian-controlled private corporations may qualify for the 3-month extension
GST/HST Return Due Dates
GST/HST filing frequencies and deadlines vary based on your business’s revenue:
Annual Filers
- Due three months after your fiscal year-end
- Most small businesses with revenue under $1.5 million file annually
Quarterly Filers
- January 31, 2025 (October-December 2024)
- April 30, 2025 (January-March)
- July 31, 2025 (April-June)
- October 31, 2025 (July-September)
Monthly Filers
Returns are due one month after each reporting period ends. This typically applies to businesses with annual taxable supplies over $6 million.
Important Payroll and Information Return Deadlines
If you’re an employer, here are some crucial dates to mark in your calendar:
- January 31, 2025: T4, T4A, and T5 slips must be issued to employees and contractors
- February 28, 2025: Deadline to file T4, T4A, and T5 information returns with the CRA
- Monthly payroll remittances: Due by the 15th of the following month
- Quarterly payroll remittances: Due by the 15th of the month following the end of each quarter
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
The consequences of missing tax deadlines can be costly:
- Late-filing penalty of 5% of your balance owing
- Additional 1% for each full month your return is late (up to 12 months)
- Interest charges on unpaid amounts, compounded daily
- Potential impact on government benefits and credits
Tips to Stay on Track
Here are some practical ways to ensure you meet your tax obligations on time:
- Set calendar reminders for key deadlines
- Keep organized records throughout the year
- Consider quarterly tax installments to avoid large year-end payments
- Work with a professional tax accountant to ensure compliance
Don’t let tax deadlines catch you off guard. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by tax requirements or want to ensure you’re maximizing your tax position, reach out to our team. With nearly two decades of experience in Calgary’s tax landscape, we’re here to help you navigate these deadlines while optimizing your tax strategy.
Pro tip: Even if you can’t pay your full tax bill by the deadline, always file your return on time to avoid the late-filing penalty. The CRA may be willing to work out a payment arrangement for any amount owing.
Remember, these dates are subject to change if the CRA makes any adjustments. It’s always wise to verify deadlines as they approach and stay informed about any updates that might affect your tax filing obligations.