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Understanding Personal Tax Filing (T1): What You Need to Know for This Tax Season

Updated: 5 days ago

As tax season approaches, many Canadians begin gathering their paperwork and planning their filings. Whether you’re a first-time filer or a seasoned taxpayer, understanding how Personal Tax Filing (T1) works — and what documents you may need — can help you avoid delays, reduce stress, and ensure you’re maximizing your return.

Below is a simple overview to help you stay organized and on time this year.


Eye-level view of a calculator and tax documents on a wooden table

What Is a Personal Tax Return (T1)?


A T1 General Return is the standard income tax and benefit return that all individuals in Canada must file each year. It reports your total income, calculates federal and provincial tax, and determines your eligibility for benefits, credits, and refunds.

Most Canadians must file a T1 return even if their income is low or tax was already deducted at source.


Key Filing Deadlines


✔ April 30 2026 — Most individuals must file their personal tax return by April 30 each year. Any balance owing is also due April 30.

✔ June 15 2026 — Self-employed individuals and their spouses/common-law partners have until June 15 to file — but any balance owing is still due April 30.

✔ March 1 2026 — RRSP contributions for the previous tax year must be made by March 1 to be deductible (or the next business day if March 1 falls on a weekend).

✔ December 31 2025 — FHSA (First Home Savings Account) contributions must be made by December 31 of the calendar year to be claimed as a deduction for that year. Unlike RRSPs, there is no 60-day grace period after year-end for FHSA contributions.


Filing early ensures faster refunds and avoids interest charges on late payments.


Documents You May Need for Your T1 Return


Below is a comprehensive list of slips, receipts, and documents that may apply to your situation. Not all will apply to every taxpayer, but keeping what’s relevant ensures your return is complete and accurate. For new clients, providing your prior year T1 and Notice of Assessment can be very usefully to us to receive the most accurate and complete service.


1. Income Slips

  • T4 – Employment income

  • T4A – Pension, self-employment, commissions, scholarships

  • T4E – Employment Insurance benefits

  • T4RSP / T4RIF – RRSP or RRIF withdrawals

  • T5 – Investment income

  • T3 – Trust and mutual fund income

  • T5007 – Social assistance / workers’ compensation

  • T4A(OAS) – Old Age Security

  • T4A(P) – CPP benefits

  • RC62 – Universal Child Care Benefit

  • T5008 – Securities transactions

  • T5018 – Construction industry income

  • Foreign income documents (e.g., W-2, 1099)


2. Deductions & Credits (Receipts/Records)

  • RRSP contribution receipts

  • FHSA (First Home Savings Account) contribution slips – contributions are tax-deductible (like an RRSP), and qualifying withdrawals to buy your first home are tax-free

  • FHSA withdrawal documents (for qualifying home purchases) — needed if a client withdrew funds under a qualifying first home purchase.

  • Childcare expense receipts

  • Medical expense receipts

  • Tuition receipts (T2202 / TL11A/B/E)

  • Student loan interest

  • Charitable donations

  • Political donations

  • Moving expenses (if eligible)

  • Support payments (received/paid)

  • Union dues, professional fees

  • Employment expenses (Form T2200/T2200S required)

  • Home office expenses (eligibility-based)

  • Digital subscriptions

  • Disability Tax Credit (T2201) approval

  • Adoption expenses


3. Property, Investment & Business

  • Rental income/expense summary

  • Self-employment income records & expense receipts

  • Capital gains/losses

  • Cryptocurrency transactions

  • Sale of principal residence (date, proceeds, property details)

  • Foreign property over $100,000 (Form T1135)


4. Personal Information Updates

  • SIN and date of birth

  • Marital status changes

  • Address changes

  • Direct deposit information (void cheque)

  • Dependents’ information

  • Prior year’s Notice of Assessment




Why It Helps to Be Prepared Early


Providing documents early allows us to:

  • Identify missing slips (like late-arriving T3/T5013)

  • Maximize eligible credits

  • Avoid filing adjustments later

  • Ensure compliance with CRA requirements

  • File your return quickly and accurately

Haddad Financials makes personal tax filing simple and stress-free. If you’re unsure which documents apply to you, we’re happy to review your situation and provide guidance.


Need Help With Your Personal Tax Return?

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