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Nine million Canadians still haven't filed their taxes: H&R Block survey
The deadline to file taxes is Thursday, Apr. 30, but a new survey from H&R Block Canada says 28 per cent, or nine million of Canadians, have yet to file.
That compares with 22 per cent, or around 7.3 million late filers in 2025, says the tax-filing firm.
“Of those who have yet to file, 69 per cent say they haven’t gotten around to it but plan to do so before the April 30th deadline, while seven per cent plan to file before the deadline but are procrastinating because they’re worried they’ll owe money,” says H&R Block, based on its findings released on Apr. 27.
The findings are from a survey conducted by H&R Block between Apr. 15-17, 2026, among a sample of 1,500 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum.
More than one in 10 (12 per cent) intend to file, but not until after the deadline, simply because they haven’t got around to it yet, according to the survey.
A small percentage of Canadians (five per cent) reported that difficulties accessing their online CRA account (known as “ My Account ”) have been preventing them from filing.
Ontario is cited as home to the largest number of procrastinators, with one in three (33 per cent) yet to file. They are followed closely by Saskatchewan and Manitoba at 32 per cent, British Columbia (30 per cent), Atlantic Canada (28 per cent), Alberta (22 per cent) and Quebec (21 per cent).
Late filers face a five per cent penalty on any balance of taxes owed. Add to that one per cent for each full month of delay up to 12 months. Interest continues to build for any balance owed, until it’s paid in full. Canadians who have already been penalized for filing late within the past year will face a doubling of the penalties: 10 per cent for the late filing penalty and two per cent for each month of delay up to 12 months.
Meanwhile, filing late can delay your refund, as well as federal benefit calculations, which can sting for people who rely on those payments.
All that said, it’s easy to stress about filing taxes because the process can feel complex and easy to get wrong, reported national financial planning publication Investment Executive in 2007. Some people delay filing because it somehow feels less stressful to deal with later.
The reasons for procrastination, reports IE, include perceived complexity, low financial literacy and lack of confidence. In particular, worry about overlooking write-offs, credits or benefits adds pressure.
And some Canadians delay because they’re worried they will owe the CRA money.
The Canada Revenue Agency strongly suggests that taxpayers file online, since “returns filed electronically are generally processed within two weeks, compared to eight weeks for paper returns. Almost 93 per cent of 2023 tax returns were filed electronically. When you combine electronic filing with direct deposit , you could receive your refund within eight business days.”
Every year, the CRA certifies tax software developed by third-party providers . Tax software does the calculation and online filing. Software from H&R Block is among the available programs. So are offerings from well-known providers such as TurboTax and UFile.
The CRA also offers online chat in My Account, enabling taxpayers to discuss specific issues with a live CRA agent.
Meanwhile, its digital services for individuals include filing and changing a return. Taxpayers can also get an array of information, such as forms and publications, a child and family benefits calculator and the CRA’s list of registered charities.
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