Your questions, our answers.

April 30 for most individuals, both federally (T1) and in Quebec (TP⁠-⁠1). If you or your spouse run a business as a self-employed person, you have until June 15 to file your returns, but any balance owing must still be paid by April 30 to avoid interest.

If you have a balance owing, the CRA and Revenu Québec each charge a penalty of 5% of the balance, plus 1% for each full month late (up to 12 months), in addition to interest. Penalties increase for repeated late filing. Even if you cannot pay right away, it is better to file on time. Contact us if you are several years behind.

Yes, it is strongly recommended. Filing gives you access to several income-based credits and benefits, such as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit), Quebec’s solidarity tax credit and the Canada Child Benefit.

Expenses incurred to earn business income: supplies, phone, vehicle and home office expenses (for the portion used for the business), advertising, professional fees, etc. You must keep your receipts and separate the personal portion. We review your expenses with you so nothing is missed.

Your slips (T4, RL⁠-⁠1, T5, RL⁠-⁠3, etc.), your receipts for donations, medical and childcare expenses, your RRSP contributions, and last year’s notice of assessment. Self-employed people and rental property owners also bring the details of their income and expenses. See the full list for your situation.

First check the notice: it may be a simple adjustment. If you want to dispute it, a notice of objection must generally be filed within 90 days of the date of the notice. Bring us the document quickly; we will review it and prepare the response.

Generally six years after the end of the tax year they relate to, for both the CRA and Revenu Québec. This includes your receipts, invoices, slips and supporting documents.

The T2 (federal) and CO⁠-⁠17 (Quebec) returns must be filed within six months after the end of the fiscal year. The tax balance is due sooner, however: two months after year-end, or three months for certain eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations.

Yes. A corporation must file its T2 and CO⁠-⁠17 returns every year, even if it is inactive or has no tax to pay. In Quebec, it must also file its annual updating declaration with the Registraire des entreprises.

Yes, when its tax for the current or previous year exceeds $3,000, both federally and in Quebec. Instalments are generally monthly, or quarterly for certain eligible small corporations. We calculate the amounts and tell you the payment dates.

Your bank and credit card statements for the fiscal year, your sales and expense invoices, your GST/QST and payroll returns, loan and asset purchase agreements, and the previous year’s financial statements and returns if we are taking over the file.

Rental income is reported federally (form T776) and in Quebec (form TP⁠-⁠128). You can deduct current expenses such as mortgage interest, municipal and school taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs. Major improvements, however, are depreciated over several years, and depreciation (capital cost allowance) cannot create or increase a rental loss.

Selling a rental property can result in a taxable capital gain and a recapture of the depreciation already claimed. For your principal residence, the gain is generally exempt, but the sale must still be reported on your returns for the year. Contact us before the sale to plan its impact.

An RRSP contribution is deductible from your income, but withdrawals are taxable. A TFSA contribution is not deductible, but income and withdrawals are tax-free. An RRSP is often better if your income is higher now than it will be in retirement; a TFSA in the opposite case or for a shorter-term goal. Your RRSP room is shown on your federal notice of assessment. For a first home, the FHSA combines both advantages: deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals for a qualifying purchase.

You can contribute up to the 60th day of the following year (around March 1) and deduct the contribution on the previous year’s return. The limit is 18% of your previous year’s earned income, up to the annual maximum, plus any unused room.

There are several ways: pension income splitting (up to 50%, subject to age conditions), a spousal RRSP, or, in a business, paying a reasonable salary to a family member who actually works in the business. Dividends paid to family members are, however, subject to strict rules. Contact us to see what applies to your situation.

It depends on your income, your personal cash needs and your plans. We compare the scenarios with you, including the choice between salary and dividends.

As a general rule, registration becomes mandatory when your taxable sales exceed $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. Some activities must register from the first dollar, even below that threshold, including taxi and paid passenger transportation (commercial ride-sharing) and tourist accommodation. Voluntary registration can also be worthwhile to recover the taxes paid on your purchases. We check the rules that apply to your industry and handle the registration for you. Contact us for more details.

Do not let the response deadline pass. Bring us the letter: we will review it, prepare the documents requested and deal with the tax authorities on your behalf.

Yes. We obtain the information we need from your previous accountant and ensure your file continues smoothly.

Since July 2026, the GST/HST credit has been called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. It is a tax-free quarterly payment for individuals and families with low or modest incomes. Generally, you do not need to apply: the CRA determines your eligibility when you file your income tax return. Newcomers to Canada must apply, however.

Official sourcesCRA – Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (opens in a new tab)

This refundable Revenu Québec credit helps low- and middle-income households. You must notably be 18 or older, live in Quebec and have a family income below a certain threshold. It is claimed on your Quebec income tax return; you will need information about your housing (including your RL⁠-⁠31 slip number if you are a tenant). Direct deposit registration is generally required to receive it.

Official sourcesRevenu Québec – Solidarity tax credit (opens in a new tab)

The Canada Child Benefit (federal) and the family allowance (paid by Retraite Québec) are tax-free payments for families with children under 18. The amount depends on family income. To keep receiving them, both spouses must file an income tax return every year, even with no income.

Official sourcesCRA – Canada child benefit (CCB) (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec (opens in a new tab)

In Quebec, eligible childcare expenses give rise to a refundable tax credit, based on family income, using the RL⁠-⁠24 slip issued by the childcare provider. You can receive this credit through advance payments during the year. Federally, these expenses are a deduction instead, generally claimed by the lower-income spouse. Reduced-contribution childcare fees are not eligible.

Official sourcesRevenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)CRA – Child care expenses (line 21400) (opens in a new tab)

Eligible medical expenses (prescription drugs, dental care, glasses, private insurance premiums, etc.) give rise to a credit federally and in Quebec, for the portion above a threshold based on your income. You can combine the whole family’s expenses and choose any 12-month period ending in the year. It is often better to claim them on the lower-income spouse’s return.

Official sourcesCRA – Eligible medical expenses (lines 33099 and 33199) (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

Donations to a registered charity give rise to a tax credit federally and in Quebec, with the official receipt. The credit is higher on donations above the first $200. Spouses can combine their donations, and unused donations can be carried forward for up to five years.

Official sourcesCRA – Donations and gifts (line 34900) (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

Eligible tuition fees, shown on form T2202 and the RL⁠-⁠8 slip, give rise to a credit federally and in Quebec. If the student does not have enough tax payable, the unused portion can be carried forward or, under the applicable rules, transferred to a parent or spouse.

Official sourcesCRA – Tuition amount (line 32300) (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

This refundable Quebec credit helps seniors pay for certain services that allow them to stay at home, such as housekeeping or assistance services. People living in a seniors’ residence may also qualify for part of their rent. It can be received through advance payments. Revenu Québec sets the age conditions and amounts each year.

Official sourcesRevenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

In Quebec, an amount is available to people who live alone (or only with dependent children), to people aged 65 or older and to those receiving eligible retirement income. Federally, there is also an age amount and a pension income amount. These amounts are reduced based on income.

Official sourcesRevenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)CRA – Age amount (line 30100) (opens in a new tab)CRA – Pension income amount (line 31400) (opens in a new tab)

These two measures support low-income workers: the Canada Workers Benefit federally and the work premium in Quebec. They are calculated from your income tax return. Part of them can be paid in advance during the year.

Official sourcesCRA – Canada workers benefit (CWB) (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

If you support a relative who has an impairment or is elderly, you may be entitled to the Canada caregiver credit federally and the tax credit for caregivers in Quebec. The conditions depend on whether you live together, your relationship with the person and their health.

Official sourcesCRA – Canada caregiver credit (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

A person with a severe and prolonged impairment may be entitled to a credit federally and in Quebec. A health professional must complete a certificate that is then approved (form T2201 federally, and an equivalent form in Quebec). If the person does not have enough tax payable, the amount can be transferred to a family member.

Official sourcesCRA – Disability tax credit (DTC) (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

If you moved to work, run a business or study full time, and your new home is at least 40 km closer to your new place of work or study, some moving expenses can be deducted.

Official sourcesCRA – Moving expenses (line 21900) (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

An employee can deduct certain home office expenses if the employer requires it and provides forms T2200 (federal) and TP⁠-⁠64.3 (Quebec), completed and signed. You must keep your bills (electricity, heating, rent, etc.) and calculate the portion used for work.

Official sourcesCRA – Home office expenses for employees (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

The FHSA lets first-time home buyers save up to $8,000 per year ($40,000 lifetime). Contributions are deductible, and withdrawals to buy a qualifying home are not taxable.

Official sourcesCRA – First Home Savings Account (FHSA) (opens in a new tab)

The HBP lets you withdraw money from your RRSP tax-free to buy or build a first home. The amounts withdrawn must be repaid to your RRSP over 15 years; otherwise, the unpaid annual amount is added to your income. The HBP can be combined with the FHSA.

Official sourcesCRA – Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) (opens in a new tab)

First-time home buyers can claim a federal credit and a Quebec credit in the year of purchase. Spouses can share the amount. Other rules also apply to persons with disabilities.

Official sourcesCRA – Home buyers’ amount (line 31270) (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)

If your return is filed electronically and you are registered for direct deposit, the refund generally arrives within a few weeks. Paper returns take longer. You can track the status of your return in My Account with the CRA and with Revenu Québec.

Official sourcesCRA – My Account (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec (opens in a new tab)

File your return on time anyway to avoid the late-filing penalty. The CRA and Revenu Québec offer payment arrangements depending on your situation. Interest still accrues on the unpaid balance, however.

Official sourcesCRA – My Account (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec (opens in a new tab)

You can view and download your notices of assessment, and most of your slips, in My Account with the CRA and in My Account for individuals with Revenu Québec. We can also obtain them for you, with your authorization.

Official sourcesCRA – My Account (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec (opens in a new tab)

If you forgot a slip or made an error, you can request a change after receiving your notice of assessment: online in My Account, or with the adjustment request form (T1-ADJ federally, TP⁠-⁠1.R in Quebec). Do not file a second return.

Official sourcesCRA – My Account (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec (opens in a new tab)

Notify the CRA and Revenu Québec promptly, through My Account. A change in marital status (marriage, common-law union, separation) can change your credits and benefits. To receive refunds and credits faster, register for direct deposit.

Official sourcesCRA – My Account (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec (opens in a new tab)

For tax purposes, you are generally considered common-law partners if you have lived together for at least 12 months, or for less time if you have a child together. This status affects the calculation of several credits and benefits, and both partners must indicate it on their returns.

Official sourcesCRA – Marital status (opens in a new tab)Revenu Québec – Tax credits (opens in a new tab)