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Your Tax Season Checklist

Every slip, receipt, and record you need to file your Canadian tax return — in one interactive list. Tick things off as you go, then file.

Last reviewed: September 25, 2026

Sources: CRA: Tax slips; CRA guide T4044, Employment Expenses 2025; CRA: Keeping records

Tip

This checklist never asks for your SIN or any personal details. You will need your SIN when you file with the CRA — keep it off shared computers and never email it to anyone.

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Before you start

CRA My Account access — CRA's online portal. You can view your slips, your Notice of Assessment, and set up direct deposit here. Last year's Notice of Assessment — the document CRA sends after assessing your return. It shows your RRSP deduction limit and any carry-forward amounts. Direct deposit set up — through CRA My Account. Gets your refund to you faster than a cheque in the mail. Form T2200 from your employer — if you plan to claim employment expenses. Your employer completes and signs it; you keep it on file in case CRA asks.

Income slips

T4 — Statement of Remuneration Paid — from your employer. Reports your employment income for the year. T4A — pension and other income, such as pensions, annuities, scholarships, or RESP withdrawals. T4E — Employment Insurance benefits. Shows gross benefits paid, tax deducted, and any overpayment amounts. T5 — Statement of Investment Income — interest and dividends earned in non-registered accounts, issued by your financial institutions. T3 — Statement of Trust Income — trust income such as interest, dividends, and capital gains allocated to you. These are often sent by the end of March, so do not file too early. T5008 — Statement of Securities Transactions — used to work out gains or losses when you sold securities. Note: box 20 may not reflect your adjusted cost base. T4RSP — money withdrawn from your RRSP. Reported on line 12900 of your T1 return. T2202 — Tuition and Enrolment Certificate — from your post-secondary school. Used to claim the tuition tax credit.

Deduction and credit receipts

RRSP contribution receipts — deductible on your return (line 20800). Remember the first-60-days rule: contributions made by March 1, 2027 [VERIFY] count for 2026. See the deadlines page. FHSA receipts — First Home Savings Account contributions. Generally deductible for the year you contributed or a future year. Union or professional dues receipts — annual union dues, required professional membership dues, and professional liability insurance premiums (line 21200). Child care receipts — amounts you paid so you or a supporting person could work, run a business, or attend school. Medical expense receipts — eligible expenses paid in a 12-month period ending in the tax year (lines 33099 / 33199). Donation receipts — official receipts from registered charities and other qualified donees (line 34900). Moving expense receipts — if you moved at least 40 km closer to a new work location or school. Claimed with Form T1-M (line 21900). Your T2200, kept on file — you do not send it with your return. Keep it in case CRA asks to see it. Learn what you can claim on our T2200 hub.

Home office records

Rent receipts or lease — rent paid for the home where you live is claimable; mortgage interest is not. Utility bills — electricity, heat, and water. You claim the work-use portion. Internet bills — claimable as home internet access fees (the monthly service, not connection or setup fees). Maintenance and minor repair receipts — claimable; capital expenses like new windows or flooring are not. Workspace measurements — your work space area and total home area (or a floor plan), needed to work out your work-use percentage. Trip record, if claiming vehicle expenses — for each work trip: date, destination, purpose, and kilometres, plus odometer readings at the start and end of the year.

After you file

File by the deadline — April 30, 2027 for most people [VERIFY]. Late filing can mean penalties if you owe. See deadlines. Pay any balance owing — also due April 30, 2027 [VERIFY], even if you file later as a self-employed person. Save your Notice of Assessment — you will need it next year for your RRSP limit and carry-forward amounts. Keep all records for six years — slips, receipts, and supporting documents, for six years from the end of the tax year they relate to.

Download printable PDF Continue to the Filing Guide

This is general information, not tax advice. For your situation, consult a tax professional or the CRA.

Checklist done? File with confidence.

Walk through the return step by step — and claim the home office expenses you have earned.

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