2026 CRA Tax Deadlines Every Canadian Business and Individual Should Know
Canadian tax law doesn't care if you forgot. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charges interest from day one and adds a 5% penalty for late filing — plus 1% for every additional month you're late. For corporations, the numbers get worse. The good news: every meaningful deadline for 2026 is predictable, and a little planning eliminates the risk entirely.
Personal Tax (T1) Filing Deadlines
If you're an employee or self-employed, here are the dates that matter:
- April 30, 2026 — T1 filing and balance owing for most individuals
- June 15, 2026 — T1 filing deadline for self-employed individuals (but balance still due April 30)
- March 1, 2026 — RRSP contribution deadline for 2025 tax year
- February 28, 2026 — T4, T4A, T5 slips must be issued by employers and payers
Corporate Tax (T2) Deadlines
Corporations file T2 returns six months after their fiscal year-end, but tax owing is due earlier — two or three months after year-end depending on whether you're a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) eligible for the small business deduction.
- T2 filing — 6 months after fiscal year-end
- Tax owing (CCPCs eligible for SBD) — 3 months after year-end
- Tax owing (other corporations) — 2 months after year-end
- T4/T5 slips — February 28, 2026
HST/GST Returns
Filing frequency depends on your annual taxable supplies. Most small businesses file annually, mid-sized businesses quarterly, and large businesses monthly. Annual filers with a December year-end have until June 15, 2026 to file (with payment due April 30).
Instalment Payments
If your net tax owing exceeded $3,000 in either of the two previous years, the CRA expects quarterly instalments. Due dates: March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15. Miss them and the CRA charges instalment interest — even if your final return shows a refund.
What Happens if You File Late
- 5% penalty on the balance owing the day after the deadline
- Plus 1% of the balance for each full month late, up to 12 months
- Repeat offenders get hit with 10% + 2% per month, up to 20 months
- Interest compounds daily on the unpaid balance