Tax Filing Deadlines
Every date that matters. All in one place.
Miss a deadline and CRA charges interest and penalties automatically. Below are the key dates for individuals, corporations, and GST/HST filers across Canada.
Your situation may have specific deadlines not listed here. If you're a Capex client, we track every deadline for you. If you're not, book a discovery call and we'll make sure nothing gets missed.
CRA Penalty & Interest Calculator
Find out what you owe. Fix it before it gets worse.
Enter your details below. We'll estimate your penalties, interest, and show you the fastest path to getting current.
Turn this on if CRA charged you a late-filing penalty in the past 3 years. Penalties double.
We'll estimate unpaid tax at 12.22% of profit (revenue minus expenses).
CRA updates this quarterly. Change if needed.
When on, arrears interest is excluded.
CRA Payment Essentials
What happens when you're late. What to do so you're not.
Personal Tax Instalments
If your net tax owing after credits is more than $3,000 in the current year and in either of the two preceding years, you must make quarterly instalment payments. In Quebec, the federal threshold is $1,800. Due dates are March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. You are responsible for paying on time even if no reminder is received.
Corporate Tax Instalments
Corporations must make monthly instalments if total taxes payable after credits exceed $3,000 in either the current or previous year. Some CCPCs that meet CRA criteria may pay quarterly. Missing instalments results in interest at the prescribed rate.
Late Filing Penalties
File late and CRA charges 5% of unpaid tax as of the due date, plus 1% per full month late, up to 12 months. If you had a late filing penalty in any of the previous three years, the penalty increases to 10% plus 2% per month, up to 20 months.
Example: $25,000 balance filed 12 months late = $4,250 in penalties. With a prior penalty in the last three years, that jumps to $8,500.
Late Payment Interest
Pay after the due date and CRA charges compound daily interest at the prescribed rate on any unpaid balance. Interest continues until the balance is paid in full.
Example: At 9% annual, a $25,000 balance paid 12 months late accrues roughly $2,250 in interest.
Inaccurate Reporting Penalties
If you knowingly or through gross negligence make a false statement or omission, the penalty is the greater of $100 or 50% of the understated tax and any related overstated credits.
Example: Understated tax of $10,000 = $5,000 penalty.
Whose Responsibility Is It?
Yours. The taxpayer is responsible for filing and paying on time. Your accountant can assist, but the final responsibility stays with the individual or business owner.
10 Best Practices
1. Pay instalments on time to avoid interest
2. File on time to avoid penalties
3. Know the late filing impact. Penalties grow fast
4. Keep detailed records to simplify filing and reviews
5. Track credits and deductions to reduce tax owed
6. Use a qualified CPA for complex situations
7. Keep your CRA account updated with current info
8. Plan year-round for cash flow and instalments
9. Review returns carefully to catch errors early
10. Know your rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights
We track every deadline so you don't have to.