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New to Canada and filing your taxes for the first time? Here’s what you need to know

Newcomers to Canada must file their taxes to access key benefits and credits, and this guide outlines everything you need to know—from residency status to deadlines, free tax help, and electronic filing options.
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Moving to a new country comes with many changes, and one important step in settling into life in Canada is understanding how to file your taxes.

Filing your income tax and benefit return ensures you receive the credits and benefits you may be entitled to—helping support you financially. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Moving to a new country comes with many changes, and one important step in settling into life in Canada is understanding how to file your taxes. Filing your income tax and benefit return ensures you receive the credits and benefits you may be entitled to—helping support you financially. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return?

Even if you’ve only lived in Canada for part of the year, you may need to file a tax return if you have to pay tax, you want to claim a refund or if you or your spouse/common-law partner want to receive benefit and credit payments.

Canada’s tax system is based on residency status rather than immigration status. If you’re unsure of your residency status for tax purposes, complete Form NR74: Determination of Residency Status (Entering Canada) and submit it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for clarification.

Getting Benefit and Credit Payments

You can start receiving benefit and credit payments as soon as you arrive in Canada, even before filing your first tax return. However, to continue receiving payments, you must file your return annually—even if you have no income.

Key benefits and credits available include:

  • GST/HST Credit: A quarterly payment to help offset the cost of sales taxes for individuals and families with low or modest incomes.

  • Canada Carbon Rebate (select provinces only): Paid every three months to help offset the cost of federal pollution pricing.

  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB): A monthly payment for eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18.

Use the CRA’s Benefits Finder to determine what programs you qualify for.

Tax Filing Deadlines

  • April 30, 2025: The deadline for most individuals to file their tax return and make any necessary payments.

  • June 15, 2025: The deadline for self-employed individuals and their spouses/common-law partners to file their return (since this falls on a Sunday, returns will be considered on time if received or postmarked by June 16, 2025). However, any taxes owed must still be paid by April 30, 2025, to avoid interest charges.

Free Tax Help

  • If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may be eligible for assistance at a free tax clinic.

  • If you are self-employed or own a small business, the CRA’s Liaison Officer service can provide guidance on tax obligations.

Filing Your Taxes Electronically

To simplify the tax-filing process:

  • Register for Direct Deposit: Get your refund faster.

  • Use NETFILE-Certified Software: Some options are free, and refunds can be processed within eight business days.

  • Paper Returns Take Longer: If you file a paper return, processing may take up to eight weeks.

After You File

Once your return is processed, you’ll receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA), which will confirm your refund or any balance owing. To manage your tax affairs more easily:

  • Register for a CRA Account: Access your tax information, update your address, and set communication preferences to receive electronic mail instead of paper correspondence.

  • Business Owners: Register for a CRA business account to manage tax matters online.

Correcting Mistakes on Your Tax Return

If you need to make changes after filing, wait until you receive your NOA and then submit an adjustment request online for quicker processing.

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

Be cautious of scams impersonating the CRA. The CRA will never use aggressive language or threats to demand payment. Learn how to spot fraud and protect yourself by visiting the CRA’s Scams and Fraud page or watching the Be Scam Smart webinar.

Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the process and utilizing available resources, you can confidently file your return and access the benefits you’re entitled to in Canada.