Tax Filing FAQ Canada – Common Questions Answered

Have questions about tax filing in Canada? This tax filing FAQ Canada resource answers the most common questions we receive from clients about Canadian tax deadlines, deductions, credits, and CRA requirements. Whether you are filing for the first time or looking for clear answers, these frequently asked questions will help you understand the tax filing process.

Tax Filing FAQ Canada: Quick Answers

When is the tax filing deadline in Canada?

The personal tax filing deadline for most Canadians is April 30 each year. Self-employed individuals and their spouses have until June 15 to file, but any balance owing is still due by April 30. Corporate tax returns are due six months after your fiscal year-end. Late filing results in penalties and interest charges from the CRA. See our Canadian tax deadlines guide for every key date.

Do I need a tax professional to file my taxes in Canada?

It is not legally required, but a tax professional can help reduce errors, review the deductions and credits you may be eligible for, and explain CRA filing requirements. It is especially valuable if you are self-employed, own a business, have multiple income sources, or have fallen behind on previous filings.

Who should consider using a tax preparer in Toronto or the GTA?

Self-employed individuals, freelancers, small business owners, landlords, newcomers to Canada, and anyone with a complex return (multiple income sources, investments, or prior-year filing gaps) benefit most from a professional tax preparer. We work with clients across Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, North York, and the wider GTA.

Is it legal to use a tax preparer in Canada?

Yes. Hiring a tax preparer or accountant to file your return is completely legal and common practice in Canada. You remain responsible for the accuracy of your return, which is why we review every detail with you before it is submitted to the CRA.

How much does tax filing cost in Toronto?

Basic personal returns start from $69.99 and self-employed returns from $149.99 CAD, before HST, per return. Corporate returns start from $250 for a nil T2, subject to assessing the corporation’s circumstances, and $499 for an active T2 (tax-document preparation and e-filing, including guidance on what information to provide; organizing unprepared financial records costs extra and is quoted before starting), before HST, per tax year. Having no income alone does not establish eligibility for the nil starting price. Corporate starting fees cover T2 preparation and electronic filing. They exclude bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, payroll filings and the Ontario annual return, which are quoted separately in writing. Confirm other filings, including GST/HST or a federal corporate annual return, in your written quote. Complexity, additional income sources and incomplete records can increase the fee. We review the work and confirm your quote before starting.

What documents do I need to file my taxes?

You will need T4 slips for employment income, T5 slips for investment income, T3 slips for trust income, RRSP contribution receipts, medical expense receipts, charitable donation receipts, tuition receipts, rental income records, and your previous year Notice of Assessment. Self-employed individuals also need records of all business income and expenses. See our full tax documents checklist.

What is a Notice of Assessment (NOA) and when will I receive it?

A Notice of Assessment is the summary the CRA sends after processing your return. It confirms your reported income, credits, deductions, any refund or balance owing, and your RRSP contribution limit for next year. CRA processing times vary. Check the current processing times directly with the CRA. It can take longer if information is missing or the CRA selects your return for review. You can view it anytime in CRA My Account, and we can help you access or interpret it.

How long does it take to get my tax refund?

CRA processing times vary. Check the current processing times directly with the CRA. Direct deposit is generally the CRA’s preferred method for receiving a refund.

How do I check my CRA tax refund status?

You can check your refund or return status through CRA My Account. It shows whether your return has been received, is being processed or has been assessed, along with any refund amount once issued. If you filed with us, contact us if you need help understanding the CRA information you receive.

Can I get my tax refund faster?

CRA processing times vary. Check the current processing times directly with the CRA. Direct deposit is generally the CRA’s preferred method for receiving a refund.

What tax deductions can I claim in Canada?

Common deductions include RRSP contributions, childcare expenses, moving expenses for employment, union and professional dues, employment expenses for commissioned employees, carrying charges on investments, and self-employment business expenses. Our personal tax service can review your records and identify deductions supported by your circumstances and documents.

Can I claim home office expenses on my taxes?

Yes, if you meet CRA's conditions. Employees can use the detailed method (the temporary flat rate method does not apply to 2023 and later tax years), which claims a share of eligible costs based on the size of your work space. Self-employed people claim business-use-of-home expenses on their business return.

What is CRA My Account and why is it important?

CRA My Account is the CRA's secure online portal where you can view your tax records, notices of assessment, benefit payments, and RRSP room, and manage direct deposit. It lets you view your filing status and communicate with the CRA online, and we recommend every client set one up. Registration and sign-in are done only on CRA's own website. We will never ask for your CRA password or sign-in codes.

How do I authorize a tax representative with CRA?

You can authorize a representative directly through CRA My Account, or your representative can submit a request using their CRA Represent a Client portal, which you then approve online. Once authorized, we can view your account and correspond with the CRA on your behalf.

Does authorizing a representative give them full control of my CRA account?

No. You choose the level of access – view-only or view and update – and you can revoke authorization at any time through CRA My Account. A representative cannot change your direct deposit or mailing address unless you specifically grant that level of access.

Can you help me if I do not have CRA My Account set up?

Yes, we can guide you through registering for CRA My Account, or file and manage your return on your behalf while you get set up. Having an account is helpful but not required for us to prepare and file your taxes.

How should I send sensitive tax documents to Toronto Tax & Accounting Solutions?

Do not email banking credentials or passwords. For SINs, employee tax information, and full tax slips, contact us first for instructions on the safest way to send documents.

Do you help self-employed individuals and small businesses in Scarborough and Toronto?

Yes, we regularly work with self-employed individuals, freelancers, and small business owners throughout Scarborough, Toronto, and the wider GTA, handling everything from bookkeeping and HST filing to year-end tax returns.

Do I need to charge HST as a freelancer?

You must register for GST/HST once your total taxable revenues exceed $30,000 — either in a single calendar quarter or over the previous four consecutive calendar quarters. If you cross the threshold in a single quarter, you must charge GST/HST on the sale that put you over and register within 29 days. Below this threshold, registration is optional but can be beneficial as it allows you to claim input tax credits on business purchases. Our GST/HST filing service handles registration and returns for freelancers. One important exception: if you drive for a ride-sharing platform such as Uber or Lyft, CRA requires you to register for GST/HST from your first ride, regardless of revenue.

Should I incorporate my business?

Whether incorporation is suitable depends on your income, how much profit you retain in the business, administrative costs, liability considerations and future plans. We explain the Ontario and federal incorporation options and the related tax filing obligations. Learn more about our incorporation services or self-employed tax filing.

Can you help with late or unfiled tax returns?

Yes, we help clients prepare multiple years of outstanding returns and explain the CRA's options for relief from penalties and interest.

Do you help with CRA audits?

We explain CRA notices about returns we prepared at no charge. We can help organize documents and prepare responses to CRA letters once the scope and fee are confirmed in writing. Work outside the agreed scope is quoted in writing before it begins.

Is my personal and financial information kept confidential?

We use client information to provide the services you request and, with your authorization, communicate with the CRA. Do not email banking credentials or passwords. For SINs, employee tax information, and full tax slips, contact us first for instructions on the safest way to send documents.

Do you guarantee tax refunds or results?

No. Every tax situation is different, and refund or balance-owing outcomes depend on your individual income, deductions, and CRA rules. We take a careful, thorough approach to your return and identify applicable credits and deductions based on the information you provide. We do not guarantee a specific refund amount.

Is the information on this website tax or legal advice?

No. The information on this page is general in nature and provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalized tax or legal advice. Please book a consultation to discuss how these rules apply to your specific situation.

Do you offer same-day tax filing?

Timing depends on the complexity of your return, whether your documents are complete, and appointment availability. We confirm the expected filing timeline after reviewing your information.

Can I file my taxes online if I do not live in Toronto?

Yes. We file personal and self-employed returns remotely for clients in every province and territory except Quebec. You send your documents, review the return with us by phone, video call or email, and approve it electronically before we e-file it with the CRA. See our online tax filing across Canada page for how it works, starting prices and one-day express filing.

We hope this tax filing FAQ Canada guide has been helpful. Still have questions? Speak with a tax professional for personalized guidance on your tax situation. Call us at (437) 410-7999 or book a free consultation today.

Estimate your tax with our Ontario income tax calculator, or use the corporate tax and HST calculator for your business.