Step-by-step process and province-specific tips for filing your taxes.
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Filing process (7 steps)
1
Set up CRA My Account
Register at canada.ca/my-cra-account using your SIN and last year's Notice of Assessment. This unlocks Auto-fill my return (AFR) — it pulls your T-slips directly from CRA.
Use any NETFILE-certified software. WealthSimple Tax is free (pay what you want) and works for most Canadians. Connect to CRA Auto-fill to import T-slips — takes under 5 minutes.
4
Claim every credit
Tuition, charitable donations, basic personal amount. Don't forget Schedule ON-BEN for Trillium Benefit.
5
Claim your deductions
RRSP contributions, FHSA contributions, medical expenses (capped at $2,800 or 3% of net income, whichever is less), moving expenses, spousal RRSP, self-employment expenses.
6
Claim your government benefits
File Schedule ON-BEN (Ontario Trillium Benefit). Keep address and family info current for CCB, GST/HST credit, and Trillium calculations.
7
NETFILE and track your refund
Submit directly to CRA via NETFILE — no mailing. Refunds arrive in 2 weeks with direct deposit. Deadline: April 30 (payment due), June 15 (return filing).
Ontario-specific filing notes
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File Schedule ON-BEN
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Ontario Senior Homeowners' Grant
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When to hire an accountant
✓Self-employed or freelance: Complex deductions, HST/GST registration, quarterly installments
✓Multiple income sources: Rental property, investment income, side gigs
✓Corporate structures: Running a small business, considering incorporation
✓Cross-border: US income, expat status, or foreign property
✓Complex family situation: Spousal income splitting, minor children's income, trusts
✓Significant changes: Sale of property, inheritance, business acquisition
✓Large refund or owing: Want to ensure accuracy or optimize planning
Quick tax facts
Federal basic personal amount
$15,705
2024
RRSP deadline
March 1
Next year for deduction
Tax year
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Calendar year
CRA return deadline
June 15
Payment due April 30
Medical expense cap
$2,800 or 3% of net income
Whichever is less
FHSA limit
$8,000/year
First-time home buyer
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is educational. Consult a tax professional or CRA.ca for personalized advice. Tax laws change annually.
Information based on 2024 tax year. Always verify with CRA.ca for updates.