Filing Taxes in Canada: Helpful Information for Newcomers
If you are new to Canada, understanding how taxes are filed may help you get started on the right foot. One step in this process is learning about the personal tax return, the detailed document you submit to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to report your income, deductions, and credits for the year. Filing a return helps determine whether you owe tax or are eligible for a refund, credits, or certain benefits.
This article explores what a tax return is, when you might need to file one, and helpful steps to follow.
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Reasons to File a Tax Return in Canada
As a newcomer to Canada, you may be wondering why you need to file a tax return. Even if you lived in Canada for only part of the year, you may still need to file if you earned income such as employment, investment(s), or other income and have tax owing, or if you would like to claim a refund[1].
Filing a return may also let you access benefits and credits you could be eligible for, such as the Canada Child Benefit or the GST/HST credit.
The Deadline for Tax Returns
The usual deadline for filing your tax return is April 30 each year. If April 30 falls on a weekend, the deadline moves to the next business day[2].
If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you may have until June 15 to file. Keep in mind, though, that any balance owing is (in most cases) due by April 30[2].
How to File a Tax Return in Canada
There are several ways to file your tax return. You can file electronically using certified tax software or submit a paper return by mail. If you prefer paper filing, you can request a tax package on the CRA website or by calling 1-855-330-3305. You may also choose to work with an accountant or a tax preparation service for a fee.
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Information and Documents to Have Ready[1]
When filing your return, you will be asked to provide basic personal details such as your name, address, and Social Insurance Number (SIN). If you are married or living as a common-law, you will also need to include information about your spouse or partner.
It may also be helpful to have documents ready that show your income and deductions for the year, for example, T4 slips from your employer, records of investment income, or receipts for certain expenses.
Don’t Forget These Important Documents
When preparing to file your return, start by gathering all your income information for the year. This usually means collecting the official slips you receive from employers, financial institutions, or other payers. Common examples include:
T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid: shows your employment income and the amounts deducted for tax, CPP, and EI.
T3 – Statement of Trust Income Allocations and Designations: reports income you received from trusts or mutual funds.
T5 – Statement of Investment Income: lists interest, dividends, and other investment income.
In addition to your income slips, you may also want to gather receipts or records for other income, and any deductions and credits you plan to claim — for example, medical expenses[3], academic tuition, or charitable donations[4]. Having these documents ready may make it easier to complete your return accurately.
For a more complete list of personal, work, and financial information that could be required, visit the CRA website[5].
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Keeping Receipts and Claiming Deductions
After you file your return, keep your official receipts for at least six years from the end of the last year they relate to — CRA may ask to see them later. This includes receipts for medical expenses, charitable donations, and business-related costs.
You may be able to claim a range of deductions and credits, depending on your situation, subject to rules and eligibility. Examples include:
Employee expenses – for example, certain costs for working from home or vehicle expenses if your job requires travel.
Moving expenses – if you moved for work or to attend full-time post-secondary studies and meet CRA requirements.
Home buyers’ tax credit – a non-refundable credit that may offer tax relief if you purchased your first home.
Disability tax credit – a credit that may reduce the amount of income tax you owe if you or a dependant has a severe and prolonged impairment.
Family, childcare, and caregiver deductions – which may help reduce taxable income if you support children or dependants.
Business expenses[5] – such as office supplies, advertising, and professional fees.
If you are unsure which deductions or credits you qualify for, consider getting advice from a Canadian tax professional.
Making the Most of Your Tax Refund
If it looks like you may be getting a tax refund, this might be a good time to think about how to put that money to work for you. Consider speaking with a TD Personal Banking Associate about your options, such as:
Setting up direct deposit with the CRA so your refund goes straight into your TD account — safely and quickly.
Opening a TD savings account[6] or investment account[7] to help your refund start earning right away and support your future goals.
Taking a few minutes to plan ahead may help you get the most benefit from your refund and build good money habits for the future.
Need more information or support with filing your taxes as a newcomer?
Visit the TD Tax Resource Centre[8] to learn more.
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Why Choose TD?
More than 160 years of helping Canadians:
TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 160 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.
With over a thousand branches, and the ability to also serve you in more than 80 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.
TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.
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Information provided by TD Bank Group and other sources in this article is believed to be accurate and reliable when placed on this site, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate or complete or current at all times. The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, legal, accounting or tax advice, and should not be relied upon in that regard. This information is not to be construed as a solicitation to buy. Products and services of the TD Bank Group are only offered in jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale. All products and services are subject to the terms of the applicable agreement. The information in this article is subject to change without notice.
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[1] Government of Canada. Newcomers to Canada (immigrants). Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants.html#h_4. Accessed September 11, 2025.
[2] Government of Canada. Important dates for individuals. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/important-dates-individuals.html. Accessed September 11, 2025.
[3] Government of Canada. Eligible medical expenses you can claim on your tax return (lines 33099 and 33199). Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return.html. Accessed September 11, 2025
[4] Government of Canada. What documents you will need to claim charitable tax credits. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-34900-donations-gifts.html. Accessed September 11, 2025
[5] Government of Canada. Business expenses for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/sole-proprietorships-partnerships/business-expenses.html. Accessed September 11, 2025
[6] TD. Savings Accounts. Available at: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/bank-accounts/savings-accounts. Accessed September 11, 2025.
[7] TD. Personal Investing. Available at: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/personal-investing. Accessed September 11, 2025.
[8] TD. Tax Resource Centre. Available at: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/tax-resource-centre. Accessed September 11, 2025.