Tax season is not only about refunds. In Canada, benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the GST/HST credit are connected to your tax filing. That’s why missing a tax return can mean missing payments, even if you had low or no income.
The CRA says online filing for 2025 returns opens on February 23, 2026.
When can you file your 2025 taxes online?
The CRA’s NETFILE service re-opens Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time (that’s 7:00 a.m. in Atlantic Canada, including Moncton).
Before you file early, the CRA recommends waiting until you have your slips. Many slips are issued by the end of February.
CRA 2026 tax deadlines you should not miss
These are the CRA’s key dates for the 2025 tax year:
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February 23, 2026: online filing opens
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April 30, 2026: deadline for most people to file and pay any taxes owed
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June 15, 2026: filing deadline if you (or your spouse/common-law partner) are self-employed — but taxes owed are still due April 30
Why filing matters for CCB and GST/HST credit
The CRA connects tax filing to benefit payments. It also reports that last year Canadians received over $56.1B in benefit payments, and many refunds were paid by direct deposit.
Important reminder: your personal benefit amount is not based on “average” numbers online. It is calculated using your family situation and income.
Benefits can vary by province (but averages don’t predict your payment)
The CRA also publishes “quick facts” by province/territory, including average CCB and GST/HST credit amounts (including related provincial programs). For example, the CRA lists Nunavut as the highest average CCB and Yukon as the lowest average CCB in its provincial snapshots.
Use these averages only as context. Your payment depends on your adjusted family net income, number of children, and eligibility.
If you are a newcomer: don’t assume you “just wait until next year”
If you recently became a resident of Canada for tax purposes, the CRA says you may be able to apply for certain credits soon after arrival, including the GST/HST credit (and related programs), even before your first tax return in some cases.
Internal guidance (Canadianow): If you arrived in 2025 and you’re unsure whether you must file, focus on residency for tax purposes and benefit eligibility rules first — then file on time to avoid delays.
SimpleFile starts March 9 (for simple tax situations)
The CRA says SimpleFile services open March 9, 2026, and the digital option may be available with or without an invitation depending on eligibility.
Free help is available if you qualify
If you have a modest income and simple taxes, the CRA points people to free tax clinics through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
FAQ
Can I file on February 23 even if I’m missing slips?
You can file, but it’s safer to wait until you have the slips you need to avoid errors and later corrections.
If I’m self-employed, do I get more time to pay?
You usually get more time to file (until June 15), but payment is still due April 30 to avoid interest.
Do I need to file taxes to get the GST/HST credit?
In most cases, yes — the CRA uses your annual tax return to calculate eligibility and payments (new residents may need to apply for the first year).
Reality check
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Filing early can help, but filing wrong can slow refunds and benefits.
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“Average benefit amounts” are not a promise of what you will receive.
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Newcomers should be careful with tax residency dates and first-year benefit applications.
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If you owe taxes, missing April 30, 2026 can create penalties/interest.
Source(Government outlinks (official)
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-season-starts-february-23-heres-what-you-need-to-start-filing.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/what-you-need-for-2026-tax-filing-season.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/how-file/tax-software/send-return/netfile.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/how-file/simplefile.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/simplefile-digital.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gst-hst-credit/get-credit.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit.html
