The clock is ticking. The general deadline for filing most Canadian tax returns is April 30, 2022. However, since this date falls on a Saturday in 2022, you get an extra day to file. The next business day, May 2, 2022, becomes the new deadline. Keep in mind that your specific tax situation might have a different filing deadline.
Here are the various tax situations and their respective deadlines for filing your return or paying taxes owed:
Tax Situation:
-
Filing Deadline
- Deadline to Pay Taxes
- I’m filing a federal return:
- Filing Deadline: May 2, 2022
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022
- I’m filing a federal return and received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or COVID-19 emergency benefits in 2020:
- Filing Deadline: April 30, 2021
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022*
- I’m self-employed:
- Filing Deadline: June 15, 2022
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022
- I’m self-employed and received EI benefits or COVID-19 emergency benefits in 2020:
- Filing Deadline: June 15, 2021
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022*
- My spouse is self-employed:
- Filing Deadline: June 15, 2022
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022
- I’m a Québec resident:
- Filing Deadline: May 2, 2022
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022
- I’m a Québec resident and received EI benefits or COVID-19 emergency benefits in 2020:
- Filing Deadline: May 2, 2022
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022*
- I’m self-employed and a Québec resident:
- Filing Deadline: June 15, 2022
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022
- I’m self-employed and a Québec resident, and received EI benefits or COVID-19 emergency benefits in 2020:
- Filing Deadline: June 15, 2021
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: April 30, 2022*
- I moved away from Canada:
- Filing Deadline: May 2, 2022
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022
- I moved away from Canada and received Canadian COVID-19 emergency benefits or EI benefits in 2020:
- Filing Deadline: May 2, 2022
- Deadline to Pay Taxes: May 2, 2022
*These deadlines apply if your taxable income is less than $75,000.
Note: If you received benefits such as Employment Insurance (EI) or COVID-19 emergency benefits in 2020, you would have already reported those benefits on your 2020 tax return. The filing deadlines for different tax situations are mentioned above. However, it’s worth noting that the government has extended the repayment period by an additional year, allowing more time for repayment until
When do I have to pay my taxes owing?
If you owe money to the federal government this year, the deadline to pay your balance is April 30, 2022. However, since this date falls on a Saturday in 2022, you have until the next business day, which is May 2, 2022, to make the payment. Starting from May 3, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will begin adding interest to any outstanding amount.
For residents of Québec who owe money to the provincial government, the deadline to pay the balance is May 31, 2022. This means that Revenu Québec will not add interest to the amount owed until June 1, 2022.
If you received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or COVID-19 emergency benefits in 2020 and your taxable income was less than $75,000, you have until April 30, 2022 to pay the taxes you owe. However, it is important to note that you still need to file your return by April 30, 2021 to avoid any late-filing penalties.
Why should I file on time?
Filing your return on time has several benefits, including avoiding late-filing penalties and receiving your refund sooner. To learn more about why you should strive to file on time, you can check out this blog.
I’m a resident of Québec, what’s my deadline?
For residents of Québec, the deadline for filing returns is the same as the federal deadline: April 30. However, following the previously mentioned rule, you have until May 2, 2022, to file your return.
When do I have to pay my taxes owing?
If you owe money to the federal government this year, the deadline to pay your balance is April 30, 2022. However, since this date falls on a Saturday in 2022, you have until the next business day, which would be May 2 (or June 15 if you’re self-employed), to make the payment.
It’s generally recommended to file your returns with both Revenu Québec and the CRA at the same time.
I’m self-employed, what’s my deadline?
If you’re self-employed, such as a freelancer or a small business owner, your deadline to file is June 15, 2022. If you and your spouse or common-law partner are filing your returns together and only one of you is self-employed, you can still file both returns by June 15, 2022.
Please keep in mind that if you owe federal taxes, your payment is still due on April 30, 2021, and if you owe Québec taxes, your payment is still due on May 31, 2021.
I moved away from Canada, what’s my deadline?
If you were a Canadian resident in 2021, your deadline to file is May 2 (or June 15 if you were self-employed), even if you have moved away.
If you are filing your return by mail, consider the time it might take for your return to reach Canada. Depending on your current location, this could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
If you moved before December 31, 2021, you may also need to file a return in the country where you currently reside. Visit your country’s government website or consult a local tax professional to learn about the local tax laws.
Will there be an extension to file my return again this year?
Revenu Québec allows 2021 returns to be filed until May 31, 2022, without incurring late-filing penalties or interest on unpaid taxes. If you are self-employed, your deadline to file remains June 15, 2022.
There are currently no plans for the CRA to extend the federal filing deadline again.
