Taxation

Canadian tax filing deadlines and benefit payment dates

Staying on top of tax deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure you receive all eligible benefits. Here’s a concise guide to key tax dates in Canada for 2026: Personal income tax deadlines April 30, 2026: Deadline to file your 2025 personal income tax return and pay any taxes owed. June 15, 2026: If you’re self-employed or have a self-employed spouse or common-law partner, your filing deadline is extended to this date. However, any taxes owed are still due by April 30, 2026. RRSP contribution deadline March 2, 2026: Make contributions to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) by this date to reduce your taxable income for the 2025 tax year. RRSP contributions can shrink your tax bill and put more money back in your pocket. Canada child benefit (CCB). Includes related provincial and territorial programs. All payment dates: January 20, 2026 February 20, 2026 March 20, 2026 April 20, 2026 May 20, 2026 June 19, 2026 July 20, 2026 August 20, 2026 September 18, 2026 October 20, 2026 November 20, 2026 December 11, 2026 Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit). Includes related provincial and territorial programs. This benefit helps low‑ and modest‑income Canadians offset the cost of groceries and everyday essentials. Payment dates (quarterly): January 5, 2026 April 2, 2026 July 3, 2026 October 5, 2026 Note: A one‑time top‑up payment is expected in spring 2026 (no later than June). Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) formerly known as Climate action incentive payment. Even though the Canada Carbon Rebate program is winding down, eligible taxpayers can still receive credits by filing outstanding tax returns for the 2021–2024 tax years. If you haven’t filed yet, now is the time, submitting your return this tax season ensures you don’t miss out on payments you’re entitled to. Filing your return promptly is the best way to secure any remaining CCR payments. Advanced Canada workers benefit (ACWB). All payment dates: January 12, 2026 July 10, 2026 October 9, 2026 Ontario trillium benefit (OTB). Includes Ontario energy and property tax credit (OEPTC), Northern Ontario energy credit (NOEC) and Ontario sales tax credit (OSTC). All payment dates: January 9, 2026 February 10, 2026 March 10, 2026 April 10, 2026 May 8, 2026 June 10, 2026 July 10, 2026 August 10, 2026 September 10, 2026 October 9, 2026 November 10, 2026 December 10, 2026 Alberta child and family benefit (ACFB). All payment dates: February 27, 2026 May 27, 2026 August 27, 2026 November 27, 2026