Tax-filing season kicks off today. Here's what to know

As it nears the end of February, Canadians have to turn their attention to filing taxes, with Monday marking the start of the 2026 season.

Last year, the Canadian Revenue Agency said it received more than 32 million calls, with peaks of nearly 300,000 a day during tax season. The agency is urging Canadians to use online tools this year, which can cut down on wait times. Its new chatbot, GenAI , which it has been testing since March 2025, will be available 24/7 to answer questions and help users find information about CRA programs and services. (It was criticized by Auditor General Karen Hogan last year, who called out the chatbot for giving her team incorrect answers.)

The agency said it would not be proactively mailing income tax packages to individuals in an effort to switch to digital services. Anyone who wants to file on paper will have to order, download and print the package.

Here’s what to know.

Some key differences this year include changes to the top-up tax credit and the return of fuel charge proceeds to farmers tax credit, to name a few.

The lowest marginal individual income tax rate will be reduced from 15 per cent to 14 per cent, starting July 1, 2025, the CRA says. Because the change took effect halfway through the year, the rate for 2025 will be 14.5 per cent. For most non-refundable tax credits, the rate will continue to be the same as the lowest marginal individual income tax rate for the year. For 2026, that means there’s a tax rate of 14 per cent on the first $58,523 or less of taxable income.

There is also a new non-refundable tax credit that was introduced to effectively “maintain a 15 per cent rate for certain non-refundable tax credits claimed on amounts over the first income tax bracket threshold of $57,375 for 2025.”

There will be a change for some farmers due to the federal fuel charge ending in April 2025. The return of fuel charge proceeds to farmers tax credit for the 2024-2025 year will be the final credit available to eligible farming businesses, according to the CRA.

The CRA has also expanded its list of eligible expenses for the disability supports deduction.

Starting on Monday, Feb. 23, income taxes and benefit returns for 2025 can be filed online. “For the early tax filers out there, take a moment to make sure you have all your tax slips before you file,” the agency said. By the end of February, most tax slips are issued by employers or financial institutions. Copies of tax slips can also be accessed via a CRA account once the agency has processed them.

If tax slips have not been received by the end of March, the CRA says to contact the issuers directly for a copy.

The CRA said it recommends filing as early as possible to avoid a rush at the end of the season.

The deadline for most individuals to file income taxes and benefit returns is April 30. The CRA says filing and paying on time ensures that late-filling penalties and interest will be avoided.

If you or your spouse, or live-in common-law partner, are self-employed, then income taxes and benefit returns are due on June 15. “If you owe money, you will still need to pay by April 30, 2026, to avoid paying interest,” said the CRA.

A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is “designed to let you earn and withdraw money tax-free,” according to the CRA. But there are cases when taxes could be owed.

A TFSA could be taxable if there is an excess amount in the account, if a person is a non-resident while contributing to their account or there are non-permitted investments in a TFSA account, which includes prohibited or non-qualified investments, or an advantage, the CRA said.

The deadline for contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) for the 2025 year is March 2.

“December 31 of the year you turn 71 years of age is the last day you can contribute to your own RRSP,” the CRA says .

• New CRA tax changes could mean more money for Canadians. Here's what to know
• CRA has made 'important changes' to the 2025 income tax package. What Canadians need to know

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