CRA Deadlines 2026 | Every Key Date for Canadians
2026 Tax Year — Master Deadline Table
The following table covers every key deadline for the 2026 tax year, organized chronologically. Dates marked with an asterisk (*) apply to the 2025 tax year return filed in early 2026.
| Date | Deadline | Who It Applies To | Penalty for Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2, 2026* | RRSP contribution deadline (for 2025 tax year deduction) | Anyone with RRSP room | Contribution counts toward 2026 instead; lose one year of deduction |
| March 15, 2026 | First quarterly instalment payment | Individuals required to pay instalments | Instalment interest charges |
| April 30, 2026* | T1 filing deadline & balance owing due (for 2025 tax year) | Most individual taxpayers | 5% of balance + 1%/month (up to 12 months) |
| June 15, 2026* | Self-employed filing deadline (for 2025 tax year) | Self-employed individuals and their spouses | Late-filing penalty applies; but balance was due April 30 |
| June 15, 2026 | Second quarterly instalment payment | Individuals required to pay instalments | Instalment interest charges |
| September 15, 2026 | Third quarterly instalment payment | Individuals required to pay instalments | Instalment interest charges |
| December 15, 2026 | Fourth quarterly instalment payment | Individuals required to pay instalments | Instalment interest charges |
| ~December 27, 2026 | Tax-loss selling deadline (must settle by Dec 31; T+1 settlement) | Investors with capital gains to offset | Losses count in 2027 instead of 2026 |
| December 31, 2026 | TFSA contribution deadline | All TFSA holders | Contribution counts toward 2027 room |
| December 31, 2026 | FHSA contribution deadline | All FHSA holders | Unused room carries forward (max $8,000) |
| December 31, 2026 | Charitable donation deadline | Anyone making donations for 2026 credit | Donation counts in 2027 |
| December 31, 2026 | RESP contribution deadline (for 2026 CESG) | RESP contributors | Miss $500 CESG matching for the year |
2027 Deadlines (for 2026 Tax Year)
| Date | Deadline | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| March 1, 2027 | RRSP contribution deadline (for 2026 tax year deduction) | Anyone with RRSP room |
| April 30, 2027 | T1 filing deadline & balance owing due (for 2026 tax year) | Most individual taxpayers |
| June 16, 2027 | Self-employed filing deadline (June 15 falls on a Sunday) | Self-employed individuals and their spouses |
Understanding Instalment Requirements
You're required to make quarterly instalment payments if your net tax owing (federal and provincial combined) exceeds $3,000 in the current year and in either of the two preceding years. The CRA will send you an instalment reminder if they determine you need to pay.
There are three methods for calculating your instalment amounts. You can use whichever method results in the lowest payments, as long as you don't underpay. For a detailed breakdown of the three methods and cash flow strategies, see our quarterly instalments guide.
Self-employed individuals get an extended filing deadline of June 15, but this is a trap for the unwary. Your balance owing is still due April 30. If you wait until June to file and you owe money, the CRA will charge interest on the unpaid balance from May 1 onward. File early or at minimum estimate your tax owing and make a payment by April 30.
Late-Filing Penalties
If you owe tax and file late, the CRA imposes the following penalties:
- First offence: 5% of the balance owing at the filing deadline, plus 1% of the balance owing for each complete month the return is late, up to a maximum of 12 months.
- Repeat offence (filed late in any of the 3 preceding years): 10% of the balance owing, plus 2% per month, up to 20 months.
If you don't owe any tax, there's technically no penalty for filing late — but you'll delay any refund and may interrupt benefit payments (CCB, GST/HST credit, Climate Action Incentive) that depend on having a current return on file.
Year-End Planning Checklist
The last quarter of the year (October–December) is when the most impactful tax planning happens. Here are the key actions to consider before December 31:
- Tax-loss harvesting: Review your non-registered investment portfolio for unrealized losses that can offset capital gains. Remember the superficial loss rule (30-day rule) and sell by approximately December 27 for T+1 settlement. [Investing Guide]
- TFSA and FHSA contributions: Maximize contributions before December 31 to shelter the maximum growth from tax.
- Charitable donations: Make donations by December 31 to claim the credit on your 2026 return. Consider donating appreciated securities for a double tax benefit.
- RESP contributions: Contribute at least $2,500 per child to receive the full $500 CESG match.
- Medical expenses: If you're close to the threshold, consider scheduling elective medical procedures or filling prescriptions before year-end.
- RRSP planning: While the deadline extends to March 1, 2027, contributing before December 31 gives your money an extra two months of tax-sheltered growth.
For a complete month-by-month planning guide, see our 12-Month Tax Planning Calendar.
This deadline reference is adapted from How To Reduce Your Taxes & Maximize Your Tax Refund — 2026 Edition. The full guide includes a detailed 12-month tax planning calendar with action items for employed, self-employed, and retired Canadians.
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Andrew Carrothers
Strategy Lead & Founder
Andrew is a financial strategist dedicated to helping Canadians optimize every dollar. With over 15 years of experience in personal finance and portfolio optimization, he focuses on tactical wealth building.
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