Will you get a tax refund this year — or owe money? This calculator estimates your 2025 Canadian tax refund based on your income, province, and taxes already withheld through payroll. Enter your information to see what to expect when you file.
A refund means your employer withheld more tax than you actually owe. This happens when your real deductions and credits exceed what CRA assumes at the start of the year. Common reasons include: RRSP contributions, charitable donations, medical expenses, union dues, home office deductions, moving expenses for work, and child care expenses.
The CRA processes about 28 million returns per year, and roughly two-thirds of filers receive a refund. The average refund is approximately $1,900. However, a large refund isn't always a good thing — it means you gave the government an interest-free loan all year. Adjusting your TD1 form (claim more credits upfront) reduces the refund but increases each paycheque.
The filing deadline for most Canadians is April 30, 2026 for the 2025 tax year. Self-employed individuals have until June 15, 2026 to file (but any balance owing is still due April 30). File electronically via NETFILE for the fastest refund — most e-filed returns with direct deposit are processed in 2 weeks.
Register for CRA My Account, set up direct deposit to your bank account, and file before the April 30 deadline. Refunds by direct deposit typically arrive within 2 weeks of filing. Paper returns take 8+ weeks. File as early as February once you have all your T4 slips and receipts.
After taxes and deductions, every dollar counts. KOHO's no-fee account means you stop paying $15-$30/month in bank fees. Plus cash back on groceries and gas. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a bonus.
Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYARRSP contributions are the single most powerful tool for most Canadians — deductible at your marginal rate and not taxed until withdrawal in retirement. Other effective deductions: union dues (100% deductible), child care expenses (typically 2/3 of actual costs up to the annual maximum), home office expenses if you work from home, and medical expenses above 3% of your net income.