WEYBURN - Filing your tax return every year allows the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to determine your entitlement for a refund and benefit and credit payments. These payments put money in your pocket and can help you stretch your budget. This year, you can start filing your income tax and benefit return as of February 19, 2024.
For the 2023 tax-filing season, there were more than 18 million refunds processed, and 78% of them were issued by direct deposit. Canadians who had a tax refund received an average of $2,262. In addition, parents may receive money through the Canada child benefit (CCB) to help with the cost of raising children younger than 18 years of age. The CCB may include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs. Don't miss out!
Here is what you need to know, how to prepare, and what's new this tax season.
Key dates
- February 19, 2024 – This is the first day when you can start filing your 2023 tax return online. If you file on paper, you should receive your income tax package in the mail by this date.
- April 30, 2024 – This is the deadline to file a tax return for most Canadians and if you owe money to the CRA this is also the payment deadline.
- June 15, 2024 – If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, this is the deadline to file your tax returns. As this date falls on a Saturday, your tax return will be considered filed on time if the CRA receives it or it is postmarked on or before June 17, 2024. If you owe money to the CRA, you'll still need to pay by April 30, 2024, to avoid interest.
Where to find information
Not sure where to start? Visit our Get ready to do your taxes page for the latest tax information. We have eight steps that will help you prepare to file your tax return. Here are other resources that can help you:
- For answers to frequently asked questions about filing a tax return, go to Questions and answers about filing your taxes.
- The Taxes and benefits for Indigenous peoples webpage offers information about tax filing, as well as benefits and credits for Indigenous Peoples. Visit this webpage for helpful tips, resources and guides to help answer your questions about First Nations, Inuit and Métis taxes.
- Charlie, the CRA's friendly chatbot, is also available on the CRA homepage and many of our other webpages on Canada.ca.
- Want to listen instead? You can check out our new podcast: Taxology. We simplify the world of taxes, since it can be confusing!
Free tax help is available
If you need assistance with your taxes, help may be available. If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, volunteers at a free tax clinic may be able to file your tax return for you. You can visit a free tax clinic in your area, or you can make a virtual appointment. To find out if you're eligible, and to find a tax clinic, go to the CRA's Free tax clinics page.
