2026 tax year
Tax Deadline Canada 2027
Key dates for filing your 2026 tax return, RRSP contributions, instalments and the self-employed deadline.
Official 2026 rates, verified October 9, 2026
Tax deadlines for the 2026 tax year
| Date | What's due | Reminder |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, December 31, 2026 | Last day to contribute to an FHSA for 2026, make 2026 charitable donations, and pay deductible expenses such as child care for 2026. | |
| Monday, March 1, 2027 | RRSP contribution deadline for the 2026 tax year. Also the deadline for employers to issue T4 and T4A slips (February 28 falls on a Sunday). | |
| Monday, March 15, 2027 | First quarterly tax instalment for 2027, if you pay by instalments. | |
| Friday, April 30, 2027 | Deadline to file your 2026 tax return and pay any balance owing. Interest starts on unpaid balances on May 1. | |
| Tuesday, June 15, 2027 | Filing deadline for self-employed people and their spouses. Any balance owing was still due April 30. | |
| Wednesday, September 15, 2027 | Third quarterly instalment for 2027. | |
| Wednesday, December 15, 2027 | Fourth quarterly instalment for 2027. |
How to avoid penalties
File on time even if you can't pay in full: the late-filing penalty is charged on top of interest, and filing keeps your benefits flowing. If you're expecting a refund, estimate it first with the tax refund calculator.
Deadlines after a death
For someone who died between January 1 and October 31, the final return is due April 30 of the next year. For a death between November 1 and December 31, it's due six months after the date of death. See taxes when someone dies.
Frequently asked questions
When is the tax deadline in Canada for 2026 taxes?
April 30, 2027 for most people, both to file and to pay. Self-employed people and their spouses have until June 15, 2027 to file, but must still pay any balance by April 30.
What is the RRSP deadline for 2026?
March 1, 2027. Contributions made in the first 60 days of 2027 can be deducted on your 2026 return.
What happens if I file my taxes late?
If you owe tax, the CRA charges a penalty of 5% of the balance plus 1% for each full month the return is late, up to 12 months, plus daily compound interest. If you're getting a refund, there's no penalty, but benefits such as CCB and the GST credit can stop until you file.
When can I file my 2026 return online?
NETFILE usually opens in the last week of February. The CRA announces the exact date in the new year.
All rates and amounts on this page are taken from official government sources, including the Canada Revenue Agency, Revenu Québec and provincial and territorial finance ministries. Last verified October 9, 2026.