Filing Your Income Taxes in Canada: What You Need to Know for the 2025 Tax Year

Author: Jane L. WWCC Settlement Counsellor

As the 2025 tax season approaches, it’s important to understand why filing an income tax return in Canada matters and what supports are available to help you through the process.

When Is the Tax Filing Deadline?

In Canada, most individuals are encouraged to file their 2025 income tax return by April 30, 2026. Filing on time helps ensure you receive any benefits or credits you may be eligible for and avoids potential delays or penalties.

Why Should You File an Income Tax Return?

Even if you did not earn income in Canada during 2025, filing a tax return is still important. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses your tax return to determine your eligibility for federal and provincial benefits and credits, including:

GST/HST Credit
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Other income‑tested benefits and supports

Filing your taxes helps ensure you receive the financial assistance you may be entitled to and keeps your information up to date with the CRA.

Free Community Tax Clinics

If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may qualify for free tax preparation assistance through the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

At these clinics, trained volunteers help eligible individuals complete and file their tax returns at no cost.

To learn more and find a clinic near you, visit the CRA website:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program/need-a-hand-complete-your-tax-return.html

Availability may vary by location and time of year, so it’s a good idea to check early.

Support for Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees

If you are a Permanent Resident (PR) or a Convention Refugee, you are not alone. Our team is here to support you as part of your settlement journey in Canada.

Our Settlement Counsellors can:

Answer general questions about filing taxes in Canada
Provide external referrals to appropriate tax services
Help connect you with trusted community resources based on your situation

If you are unsure where to start or need guidance, we encourage you to reach out.

Need Help?

Filing taxes for the first time in Canada can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Connecting with community resources and filing on time can help you access important benefits and build a strong foundation for your life in Canada.

If you have questions or would like support, please contact our Settlement Counsellors at settlement@workingwomencc.org — we are here to help.

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