These deadlines apply to the tax year ending December 31, 2025.
They determine when you must file and pay your taxes in 2026.
Missing a tax deadline can lead to penalties, interest, and delays in receiving benefits. This guide summarizes every important date you need to know for the 2025 tax year.
📅 1. Personal Tax Filing Deadline #
April 30, 2026 #
This is the deadline for most Canadians to file their 2025 tax return.
If April 30 falls on a weekend or holiday, CRA considers your return filed on time if it is received the next business day.
💰 2. Payment Deadline (Everyone) #
April 30, 2026 #
Regardless of your filing deadline, any balance owing must be paid by April 30.
This applies to:
- Employees
- Self-employed individuals
- Investors
- Pensioners
Interest begins May 1, 2026 on unpaid balances.
🧾 3. Self-Employed Filing Deadline #
June 15, 2026 #
If you or your spouse/common-law partner is self-employed, you have until June 15 to file.
However:
❗ Your payment is still due April 30 #
CRA does not extend the payment deadline for self-employed individuals.
🧮 4. RRSP Contribution Deadline #
March 2, 2026 #
Contributions made up to this date can be claimed on your 2025 tax return.
🧾 5. Instalment Deadlines (If Required) #
If you must pay quarterly instalments, the 2026 due dates are:
- March 15, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- September 15, 2026
- December 15, 2026
You may need to pay instalments if you owed more than $3,000 in tax in 2025 and in either 2024 or 2023.
🧮 6. Example: Self-Employed Filer #
Aisha is self-employed and owes $2,800 for 2025.
- She must pay by April 30, 2026
- She can file as late as June 15, 2026
- If she files after June 15, late-filing penalties apply
❓ 7. Frequently Asked Questions #
What happens if I file late but don’t owe money? #
No penalty — but benefits like GST/HST credit may be delayed.
What is the late-filing penalty? #
5% of your balance owing + 1% per month (up to 12 months).
Do instalments apply to self-employed people only? #
No — anyone with insufficient tax withheld may need to pay instalments.
Can I request more time to pay? #
Yes — CRA may approve a payment arrangement.
