Canadian Tax Deadlines: The Complete Guide for Individuals, Corporations, and Non Residents
Missing a tax deadline in Canada can lead to interest charges, late filing penalties, or missed refunds. This guide covers the key dates for individuals, corporations, self employed workers, and non residents so you can stay organized and prepared.
Personal Tax Deadlines (T1)
April 30 is the standard filing and payment deadline for most individuals. If you owe tax, the balance is due by April 30 even if you are not yet ready to file.
June 15 is the extended filing deadline for self employed individuals and their spouses or common law partners. However, any tax owing is still due by April 30. Filing late but paying on time avoids late filing penalties but does not avoid interest on the balance owed.
Corporate Tax Deadlines (T2)
Canadian corporations must file a T2 return within six months after the end of the fiscal year. The payment deadline is different and generally falls two or three months after year end depending on the corporation type.
Small Canadian controlled private corporations eligible for the small business deduction generally have a payment deadline of two months after year end. Other corporations have a payment deadline of three months after year end.
Corporations with taxable income above a threshold may also be required to make quarterly or monthly installment payments throughout the year.
GST HST Filing Deadlines
Filing frequency depends on annual revenue and the reporting period assigned by the CRA:
- Annual filers: three months after fiscal year end
- Quarterly filers: one month after the end of each quarter
- Monthly filers: one month after the end of each month
Non Resident Tax Deadlines
Non residents with Canadian income have several important dates:
- T2062 clearance certificate: should be filed within 10 days of closing a Canadian property sale. Penalties can apply if missed.
- Section 216 return: generally due by June 30 of the following year. Late filing can eliminate the benefit of the election.
- NR6 application: should be filed before the rental year begins, ideally before January 1.
Tax Installment Deadlines
Individuals who owe more than a certain threshold in personal tax may be required to make quarterly installments:
- March 15
- June 15
- September 15
- December 15
Missing installments does not create a penalty but does result in installment interest if the required amounts were not paid on time.
Important Notes
Deadlines that fall on a weekend or statutory holiday move to the next business day. The CRA has occasionally announced extensions during unusual circumstances. Always verify current year dates directly with the CRA or with your tax professional.
Proficiency Tax helps individuals, corporations, and non residents stay organized around Canadian tax deadlines. If you have missed a deadline or are unsure what applies to your situation, contact us for a review.