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Tax Filing Checklist

Everything to gather before preparing your Canadian tax return.

The short version

  • Gather three things before you start: who you are (and what changed), every slip, and the receipts for what you'll claim.
  • Most slips arrive by the end of February; T3s and some others by March 31. Check CRA My Account before you file.
  • Bring last year's notice of assessment: it has your RRSP limit, carryforwards and access code.
  • Don't forget your spouse's net income, even if they file separately. Several credits and benefits depend on it.
  • 2026 returns are due April 30, 2027 (June 15 if you or your spouse were self-employed).

Canadian Tax Filing Checklist

A tax return takes an hour when everything is on the table and three evenings when it isn't. This is the list for the table. Print it, tick it, and file once. For the filing steps themselves, see how to file taxes in Canada.

1. About You

  • Social insurance number, date of birth, current address.
  • Marital status on December 31, and the date it changed if it did.
  • Spouse or common-law partner's name, SIN and net income.
  • Children's names and dates of birth.
  • Direct deposit details (or check they're current in My Account).
  • Last year's notice of assessment: RRSP limit, unused tuition, capital losses, access code.
  • Province you lived in on December 31.
  • Did you sell your home this year? It must be reported.

2. Income Slips

  • T4 from every employer, including jobs you left.
  • T4A: pensions, contract fees (box 048), scholarships, other income.
  • T4A(P) for CPP, T4A(OAS) for Old Age Security, T4E for Employment Insurance.
  • T4RSP or T4RIF for RRSP or RRIF withdrawals; T4FHSA if you used your FHSA.
  • T5 for interest and dividends; T3 for mutual funds and trusts.
  • T5008 or broker statements for investments sold; crypto transaction records.
  • T5007 for social assistance or workers' compensation.
  • Records of income with no slip: tips, cash work, side business, rent, foreign income. See what counts as taxable income.

Missing one? See missing T4. Not sure what one says? The tax document analyzer reads any slip and tells you the line.

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A pile of slips and no idea where they go?

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3. Deductions

  • RRSP and FHSA contribution receipts (including January and February contributions).
  • Child care receipts with the provider's SIN or business number.
  • Union or professional dues (T4 box 44 or receipts).
  • Moving expense receipts, if you moved at least 40 km closer to work or school.
  • Support payments made, with the agreement or court order.
  • Form T2200 or T2200S from your employer if you're claiming work expenses.
  • Carrying charges and investment interest.

4. Credits

  • Medical expense receipts for your family (any 12-month period ending in the year).
  • Official donation receipts, for you and your spouse.
  • T2202 tuition slip.
  • Student loan interest statements.
  • Disability tax credit approval (form T2201), if applicable.
  • Home accessibility or multigenerational home renovation invoices.
  • Details for caregiver or eligible dependant claims.

Which of these are worth the most? See Canadian tax credits and refundable vs non-refundable credits.

5. Self-Employed or Landlord

  • Total income for the year: invoices, deposits, platform statements.
  • Expense receipts, sorted by category.
  • Vehicle log (business kilometres and total kilometres).
  • Home office details: area used and household costs.
  • Capital purchases (equipment, vehicles, renovations) and last year's CCA schedule.
  • GST/HST returns filed for the year, if registered.
  • Instalments paid during the year.

More in self-employed taxes and rental property taxes.

6. Before You Hit Send

  1. Every slip in My Account is on the return.
  2. Every claim has a receipt behind it.
  3. RRSP deduction is within the limit on last year's notice.
  4. The result looks sensible next to the income tax calculator.
  5. A balance owing will be paid by April 30.

That list is what Return Check does for you: it compares your return against your slips and the claims CRA adjusts most, and flags what to fix before you file. Then keep everything; see how long to keep tax records and which receipts to keep.

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Tax Checklist Questions

What documents do I need to file taxes in Canada?

Your SIN and personal details, all income slips (T4, T4A, T5, T3 and others), records of income without a slip, receipts for deductions and credits you claim, last year's notice of assessment, and your spouse's net income.

When will I get all my tax slips?

Most slips, including T4, T4A and T5, are due by the end of February. T3 slips and some partnership slips can arrive as late as March 31.

Do I need my spouse's income to file?

Yes, you need your spouse or common-law partner's net income, because several credits and benefits are calculated on family income.

What should I check before filing my tax return?

That every slip in CRA My Account is on the return, every claim has a receipt, the RRSP deduction is within your limit, and the result looks reasonable compared with an income tax calculator.

Sources: CRA, Get ready to file a tax return; Tax slips: get a copy; Federal income tax and benefit information. Checked October 2026.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026 against CRA and Government of Canada sources. How we check our facts.