The April 30, 2026 CRA Filing Deadline Has Passed — File Your 2025 Return Now
The CRA April 30, 2026 T1 deadline for 2025 returns has passed. Late penalty is 5% + 1% a month (max 12). Self-employed filing was due June 15.
Past deadline
179
days past Thursday, April 30, 2026
You are now accruing 5% + 1%/month late-filing penalty on any balance owing, plus 7% interest compounded daily. File today to stop the penalty clock.
5-step filing checklist
0/5 doneFiling late? Here's what it costs
| Months late | On $2,000 owing | On $5,000 owing | On $10,000 owing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $132 | $331 | $661 |
| 3 months | $198 | $495 | $990 |
| 6 months | $299 | $748 | $1,496 |
| 12 months | $510 | $1,274 | $2,548 |
Illustrative — combines ITA s.162(1) late-filing penalty (5% + 1%/mo) and prescribed-rate interest, which has been 7% in every quarter from Q3 2025 through Q4 2026, the most recent CRA has published, compounded daily from May 1. Each figure assumes the return is filed and the balance paid on the same day, that many complete months after the due date. Months that run past the latest published CRA quarter use that quarter's rate, which CRA may change. Repeat offenders pay roughly double.
NETFILE or paper? Time-to-refund comparison
NETFILE + direct deposit
~8 business days from CRA processing to your bank account
- • Certified software (Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax, UFile, StudioTax)
- • AutoFill imports most T-slips directly from CRA
- • Immediate confirmation number
- • Open 24/7; closed at midnight local time on April 30
Paper + cheque
8+ weeks, can stretch to 16 weeks during April peak
- • Had to be postmarked by April 30 (not delivered)
- • Prior-year paper return can delay processing
- • No real-time confirmation
- • Required only for non-residents or specific credits
Before you hit submit — one last deduction sweep
Most returns miss 1–3 deductions that each save $50–$500 at the margin. The average self-filer leaves ~$280 on the table (CRA auditor anecdotal). Run through the checklist:
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
What is the CRA filing deadline for 2025 taxes?
For most Canadians, the 2025 T1 personal tax return was due Thursday, April 30, 2026. Self-employed filers (and their cohabiting spouse) had until Monday, June 15, 2026 to file, but any balance owing was still due April 30, 2026 — interest began May 1 at the CRA prescribed rate, which has been 7% in every quarter from Q3 2025 through Q4 2026, the most recent CRA has published, compounded daily.
What happens if I file my taxes after April 30?
If you have a balance owing, CRA charges a 5% late-filing penalty plus 1% of the balance for each full month your return is late, capped at 12 months under ITA s.162(1). Repeat late-filers (who received a CRA demand to file in the prior 3 years) pay 10% + 2%/month capped at 20 months. Interest at 7% compounded daily accrues on top. If you are owed a refund, there is no late-filing penalty — but you cannot receive the refund until you file.
Could I file a paper tax return by April 30?
Yes, but the envelope had to be postmarked by April 30, 2026 — CRA considers the postmark the filing date. Paper refunds take 8 weeks or longer to process; NETFILE with direct deposit typically delivers refunds in 8 business days. For a return that is already late, NETFILE is strongly recommended.
What if I couldn't pay my balance by April 30?
File anyway, as soon as you can. Filing late triggers a 5% + 1%/month penalty on the balance owing on top of 7% daily-compounded interest — far more costly than interest alone. After filing, arrange a payment plan via CRA My Account or by calling 1-888-863-8657. Interest keeps running at 7% until paid in full, but the late-filing penalty stops the day you file.
Am I required to file every year even if I earned nothing?
Technically no, but you should. CCB, GST/HST credit, Climate Action Incentive Payment, and most provincial benefits are calculated from your tax return — not filing means payments stop. Filing with zero income keeps your RRSP room, benefits, and carry-forward credits current. Seniors collecting OAS/GIS must file to continue receiving GIS.