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Personal Tax Return Checklist

Everything you need to gather before you file your Canadian personal (T1) return, grouped into simple sections you can work through one item at a time. When you are ready, your return can be prepared and filed by a CPA.

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Gathering slips and receipts for a Canadian personal tax return
Why start early

Gather your documents before you file

The smoothest returns start with a complete pile of paperwork. When you collect your slips and receipts early, you give issuers time to send anything that is late, you avoid the last minute rush before the April 30 deadline, and you make sure every credit and deduction you are owed actually makes it onto your return. A missing receipt is a missed refund. This checklist walks you through what to pull together for a Canadian personal (T1) return so nothing slips through the cracks.

Prefer to hand it all off? See our personal tax returns service, or browse all our resources.

The checklist

Your personal tax return checklist

Work through each section and check off what applies to you. Not every item will, and that is normal. Keep everything together so it is ready when you file.

1

Personal information

  • Social insurance number (SIN) and full legal name for you, your spouse or common law partner, and any dependants
  • Date of birth and current mailing address
  • Marital status and the date of any change during the year
  • Direct deposit information so your refund or benefit payments land in your bank account
  • Your Notice of Assessment from last year, plus your NETFILE access code if you have one
  • Details of any instalment payments you made to the CRA during the year
2

Income slips

  • T4 for employment income
  • T4A for pensions, self employed commissions, scholarships, and other income
  • T4E for employment insurance benefits
  • T4A(P) for Canada Pension Plan benefits and T4A(OAS) for Old Age Security
  • T5 for investment income such as interest and dividends
  • T3 for income from trusts and many mutual funds
  • T5008 for securities you sold, plus your own records of the cost you paid
  • T5007 for workers compensation or social assistance, and any rental or tips income you tracked yourself
3

Deductions and credits

  • RRSP contribution receipts, including the first 60 days of the current year
  • Union or professional dues not already shown on your T4
  • Child care receipts with the provider name and their SIN or business number
  • Medical expenses for the family, including prescriptions, dental, and premiums you paid
  • Donation receipts from registered charities
  • Tuition (T2202) for you or a dependant you are claiming for
  • Moving expenses if you moved at least 40 kilometres closer to work or school
  • Digital news subscription receipts from qualified Canadian outlets
4

Other documents

  • Home office details if you worked from home and your employer signed a T2200
  • Home Buyers Plan or Lifelong Learning Plan repayment amounts if either applies
  • First home savings account (FHSA) or spousal RRSP paperwork if you used one
  • Records for the disability tax credit, the Canada caregiver credit, or a dependant with a disability
  • Rent or property tax receipts if your province offers a related benefit
  • Any CRA letters received during the year that affect your return
  • If you are self employed, gather your business income and expense records too, and see our small business tax checklist

The federal deadline to file and pay a personal return is April 30. If you or your spouse were self employed, you have until June 15 to file, but any balance owing is still due April 30. You can confirm the current year dates and slip details on the CRA's Get ready to file a tax return page. This checklist is a general guide, not tax advice, since every situation is a little different.

Rather not do it yourself? We can file it for you

Hand us your slips and receipts and relax. Your personal tax return is prepared and filed by a CPA, so every credit is captured and your filing is accurate and on time. We work fully virtually with secure digital records, so we can help you anywhere in Canada with nothing to drop off. If you earn freelance or contractor income, ask about our self employed tax filing too.

Get your return filed
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Help center

Personal tax return FAQs

The federal deadline to file and pay a personal return is April 30. If you or your spouse or common law partner were self employed, you have until June 15 to file, but any balance owing is still due April 30. Filing early gives you time to gather every slip and avoid a last minute rush.
Most slips are also available in your CRA account once the issuer files them, so you can pull a copy there. Gathering your documents early leaves room to track down anything that arrives late, which is exactly why we suggest starting well before the deadline.
No. The checklist covers the documents that come up most often, but not every line applies to every person. Work through each section and keep the items that fit your situation. When in doubt, hold on to the paperwork and we can sort out what belongs on your return.
Yes. Your personal return is prepared and filed by a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), so it is accurate, complete, and on time. Share your documents digitally and we handle the rest, wherever you are in Canada.
Use this checklist for your personal slips and credits, then add your business income and expense records. Our small business tax checklist walks through what to gather on the business side, and our self employed tax service handles both together.
No. We work fully virtually with secure digital records, so there is nothing to drop off or pick up. You share your documents online and we work from there, anywhere in Canada.
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