Filing your Canadian taxes doesn't have to cost money. Millions of Canadians file for free using NETFILE-certified software. Here's everything you need to file your 2025 tax return correctly and on time.
Employers send T4 slips by late February. Investment institutions send T5 (interest/dividends) and T3 (trust/ETF income) slips by March 31. Check your CRA My Account online for electronic slips — RRSP contribution receipts, T4A (pension/self-employment), T2202 (tuition). Most slips are now digital — log into CRA My Account to see all slips filed on your behalf.
Use NETFILE-certified software. Wealthsimple Tax is free for all Canadians and covers most situations including investments, rental income, and self-employment. File online — no paper required. Avoid paying for software unless you have complex needs (business incorporation, multiple rental properties).
Good software will prompt for all common deductions. Don't miss: RRSP contributions (reduces taxable income), home office expenses (if self-employed), medical expenses over 3% of net income, childcare expenses, charitable donations (15% federal credit + provincial), moving expenses (if moved 40km+ for work/school), and transit passes (some provinces still offer this credit).
NETFILE is CRA's online submission system — most certified software submits directly. You need your SIN and your prior year's adjusted net income (from your last Notice of Assessment) to authenticate. CRA processes NETFILE returns within 2 weeks. Refunds arrive via direct deposit within 8 business days (set up in CRA My Account).
CRA sends your Notice of Assessment after processing. Check RRSP room for next year, TFSA room (updated annually), any adjustments CRA made to your return, and your carry-forward amounts (capital losses, tuition credits). Store past Notices of Assessment — you'll need them for future filings.
Deducts directly from taxable income. Up to 18% of prior year earned income (max $31,560 for 2025). Check your RRSP room on CRA My Account.
$15,705 federal basic personal amount (2025) — everyone gets this. Provincial amounts vary. Reduces federal tax owing automatically.
Self-employed can deduct heat, electricity, internet, rent/mortgage interest proportional to home office space. T2200 from employer required for employees.
Deduct daycare, nursery school, babysitter costs up to $8,000/child under 7, $5,000 ages 7–16. Must be lower-income spouse claiming.
15% federal credit on first $200, 29–33% on amounts over $200. Combine with provincial credit for 40–50%+ total credit on large donations.
Expenses over the lesser of $2,635 or 3% of net income are creditable. Covers prescriptions, dental, vision, paramedical, and private health premiums.
If you moved 40km+ closer to a new job or school, moving costs are deductible against employment/scholarship income at the new location.
$100 credit ($1,500 in tax savings) if you or your partner bought a qualifying first home in the tax year. Available since 2022.
| Federal Tax Bracket | Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bracket 1 | $0 – $57,375 | 15% |
| Bracket 2 | $57,375 – $114,750 | 20.5% |
| Bracket 3 | $114,750 – $158,519 | 26% |
| Bracket 4 | $158,519 – $220,000 | 29% |
| Bracket 5 | Over $220,000 | 33% |
Add provincial/territorial tax on top (ranges from 4% to 21% depending on province). Total marginal rates range from ~20% (lowest bracket) to ~54% (highest, Quebec) or ~53% (Ontario).
KOHO code 45ET55JSYA · $100 bonus · Free spending tracking · No credit check
Get KOHO — code 45ET55JSYA →