If you earn income in Canada, chances are you'll need to file a T1 personal income tax return each year. The T1 pulls together your income, deductions, and credits into a single return that determines whether you owe tax or are due a refund.
Who needs to file a T1
Most people who earned income during the year need to file, including employees, self-employed individuals, retirees, and students. Filing is also how you claim certain benefits and credits, so it's often worthwhile even if your income was low.
What goes into a T1 return
A typical return brings together:
- Employment income reported on a T4 slip
- Other income slips, such as T4A, T5, or T4E
- Deductions, like RRSP contributions
- Credits, such as tuition, medical expenses, or charitable donations
The general filing deadline
For most individuals, the filing deadline is April 30. If you or your spouse are self-employed, you generally have until June 15 to file — though any balance owing is still due April 30 to avoid interest. Deadlines can shift slightly when the date falls on a weekend, so it's worth confirming the exact date each year.
Getting help
A second, professional review can catch missed credits or flag issues before they become CRA correspondence. If your situation involves rental income, investments, self-employment, or a first year filing in Canada, working with an accountant is often worth the peace of mind.
This article is general educational information for the current filing landscape and is not personalized tax advice. Figures and deadlines are reviewed periodically — see our Personal Tax page for current details, or book a consultation to discuss your specific situation.