If you’re self-employed, tax season can feel overwhelming. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is here to help. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, freelancer, or running a small business, understanding your tax obligations is key to staying on track. Here’s what you need to know: Filing and payment deadlines for self-employed individuals If you are self-employed, or your spouse or common-law partner is self-employed, you have until June 15, 2026, to file your 2025 income tax and b

For most Canadians, tax season may be over, but fraudsters aren’t taking a break from trying to get into your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account. Scammers operate year-round, and capitalize on pre-published payment dates for CRA-administered benefits and credits, or tax-filing season, to time their scams accordingly. The CRA continues to implement security measures to protect your information from cyber threats, including multi-factor authentication, and revoking CRA user I

The Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit is a one-time payment made to the estate of a deceased contributor. Currently, the maximum benefit is $2,500. Here’s what you need to know: It is typically paid to the estate If there is no estate, it may go to the person who paid funeral expenses or next of kin An application must be submitted—it is not automatic Supporting documents may be required Even though the benefit amount is modest, it can help offset funeral expenses and provide

Dying without a will—known as dying “intestate”—means the government decides how your estate is distributed. In Canada, each province has its own rules, but generally: Your spouse and children may receive portions based on a set formula Someone must apply to become the estate administrator The process can take longer and cost more Family disagreements are more likely Without a will, you also lose the ability to: Choose your executor Control who receives specific assets Make s

It pays to file your taxes every year! Filing your taxes every year isn’t just about reporting your income — it’s the key to getting (and keeping) the benefits and credits that help you with everyday costs, including the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). If you don’t file your taxes, you might be missing out on benefits and credits you’re entitled to receive. Why it’s important to file your taxes on time Your benefit and credit amounts for the year are calcu

Many people assume they only need a will if they have significant wealth—but that’s not the case. In Alberta, having a will ensures that your wishes are followed and that your loved ones are taken care of in the way you intend. Without a will, your estate is distributed according to provincial laws—not your personal wishes. This can create unnecessary stress, delays, and even conflict among family members. A will allows you to: Name an executor to handle your estate Decide wh

If you’ve filed your taxes but realized later that you forgot to claim a deduction, report income, or made an error, there’s no need to worry! You can request changes to your tax return without filing a new one. This process helps ensure your tax return is accurate and that you’re paying—or receiving—the correct amounts. Since last tax season, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced several improvements to make requesting changes to your tax return faster and easier. W

The Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses was a refundable tax that returned a portion of the federal fuel charge proceeds collected between 2019-2020 and 2024-2025 directly to eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs). On March 26, 2026, the Government of Canada passed legislation that ensures the rebate is non-taxable for all fuel charge years. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is reviewing T2 Corporation Income Tax Returns to identify businesses that may

Is your business engaged in scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED)? The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers tax incentives to help you reduce the income tax you must pay and to support your innovation journey. As of April 1, 2026, eligible businesses can take advantage of the new Pre-claim approval process as they plan their research and development projects. The Canada Strong Budget 2025 introduced this initiative, which provides early certainty, streamlines

When completing Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) for the Canada Revenue Agency, it’s important to understand that eligibility is not limited to extreme or total disability . The key question is: Has the individual’s condition significantly impacted their ability to perform basic activities of daily living, compared to someone of similar age without the condition? This includes changes such as: Reduced ability to walk or climb stairs Difficulty maintaining a hom

Before claiming the disability amount on your tax return, it’s important to make sure you’ve been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) . To do this, check whether you’ve already applied and received a Notice of Determination from the Canada Revenue Agency. This notice confirms: If you’re eligible for the DTC Which years you’re approved for If you’re unsure, you can also check your CRA account online to see your DTC status. How Do You Qualify? To be approved for

When couples are forced to live apart due to medical reasons, it can create confusion — especially when it comes to taxes and government benefits. This situation is known as an involuntary separation , and understanding how it works can make a significant difference financially. What is an Involuntary Separation? An involuntary separation occurs when spouses must live apart due to circumstances beyond their control. A common example is when one spouse moves into a long-term c

The fully digital disability tax credit (DTC) application form is available to applicants and their legal representatives. Applicants can complete Part A of the form online via My Account. To simplify the process and save time, the applicant’s portion of the form is prepopulated with information already on file at the CRA. Once completed, they will receive a reference number to give to their medical practitioner who will use it to complete Part B of the form online. The tradi

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has published a new tax tip, Important updates to the trust reporting requirements for the 2025 taxation year: What you need to know , to help affected taxpayers understand potential changes to their filing obligations for taxation years ending in 2025. On November 18, 2025, the Government of Canada tabled Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025 , with proposed amendments to the

Dates of death on tax returns The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) noticed that tax preparers occasionally include a deceased person’s date of death on the living spouse’s tax return. This may result in the CRA mistakenly recording the living spouse as deceased. This error can cause major financial and emotional consequences as it can stop all benefit payments to the living person. The benefits that can significantly impact them include the Canada child benefit (CCB), the Goods an

Running a business means keeping up with tax changes, new services, and important reminders from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Staying informed can help you avoid delays, access services faster, and manage your tax obligations with confidence. Here are some recent updates and reminders for businesses. Register online for a business number and for CRA program accounts Do you need a business number or a CRA program account like GST/HST or payroll? You must now use the Busin

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will permanently close all drop boxes currently available at 45 locations across Canada on May 29, 2026. This change will take place after the 2026 tax filing season to minimize disruption for taxpayers. If you currently use drop boxes to send your tax returns, payments, or other documents, it’s important to be aware of this upcoming change and plan accordingly. Why are CRA drop boxes closing? The CRA is closing its drop boxes for several reaso

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to making it easier for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples to file their taxes and receive the benefit and credit payments they’re entitled to. We understand that accessing services can sometimes be challenging – whether due to location, connectivity, or life circumstances – and we’re committed to meeting you where you are. Why filing your taxes is important Filing a tax return helps the CRA figure out what benefits and credit

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is now accepting applications for the new first-time home buyers’ (FTHB) GST/HST rebate, one of the ways the Government of Canada is making homes more affordable. The FTHB GST/HST rebate provides eligible first-time home buyers with a full or partial rebate of the GST (or the federal part of the HST) on newly constructed or substantially renovated homes. Eligible individuals could get a rebate of up to $50,000. First-time home buyers: how to ap

Individuals are no stranger to tax scams, whether they come by letter, email, text, or phone call. Scammers are always improving their tactics to trick you into giving away your personal or financial information. Their latest trick is using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). We’re here to help you stay protected with some important information about these new emerging scams, including how to recognize them. What is GenAI? Artificial intelligence (AI) has become incre