When Is the Tax Filing Deadline in Canada?
Canada does not have one tax deadline that fits every person or business. For most individuals, the annual filing deadline is April 30. Many self-employed people have more time to file, but that does not automatically give them more time to pay a balance owing.
That difference matters. Someone who is self-employed may be able to file later, yet still face interest if tax owing was not paid by the regular payment deadline.
The main personal tax deadlines
For the 2025 tax year, the CRA set April 30, 2026 as the filing and payment deadline for most individuals. People who were self-employed, or whose spouse or common-law partner was self-employed, generally had until June 15, 2026 to file. A balance owing was still due by April 30.
Those dates are useful because they show the normal structure of the Canadian filing season. GROWS should refresh this article each year when the CRA publishes the dates for the next filing season instead of creating a brand-new URL every year.
What happens when a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday?
The CRA generally considers a return or payment on time when the normal due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or recognized public holiday and the return or payment is received on the next business day. The exact rule should be checked for the year being filed.
Businesses have different timelines
Corporate returns are normally due within six months of the corporation’s tax year-end. The balance-due date can be earlier than the filing deadline. GST/HST filing and payment dates depend on whether the registrant files monthly, quarterly or annually.
If you run a business, it is worth tracking income tax, payroll, GST/HST and information-return deadlines separately. A single ‘tax deadline’ calendar is often too simple for an operating business.
A simple way to stay ready
- Confirm which return you are filing and whether self-employment rules apply.
- Separate the filing deadline from the payment deadline.
- Gather slips and records before the filing season becomes busy.
- Check CRA My Account or My Business Account for notices, balances and account information.
- Ask for help early if bookkeeping is incomplete or prior returns are outstanding.
FAQ
Do self-employed people always have until June 15 to pay?
No. The later date generally applies to filing. A balance owing is normally due by the regular payment deadline.
Is a corporate tax return due on April 30?
Not necessarily. T2 filing deadlines depend on the corporation’s tax year-end.
Should this article be updated every year?
Yes. Keep the same URL and refresh the visible dates after the CRA publishes the next filing-season schedule.
Call to action
If you want to know which deadline applies to your situation, GROWS Financial can help you organize the return, identify missing records and plan the filing work before the deadline.
Related services: Personal Tax, Corporate Tax.
Related reading: What Happens If I Don’t File My Taxes in Canada?
Official sources for fact-checking
- CRA – Due dates and payment dates
- CRA – 2026 tax deadlines for businesses and self-employed individuals
Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.