Tax season may be officially over in Canada, but if you haven’t yet filed your return, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) says there’s still time — and good reason — to do so. Delaying any further could put your benefit payments at risk, especially the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and other essential credits.
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Unfiled Taxes Could Pause Your Canada Child Benefit
Your Payments May Stop as Early as July
The CRA warns that Canada Child Benefit payments could be suspended starting in July if you or your spouse/common-law partner haven’t filed a tax return on time. The CCB benefit period runs from July to June, and your eligibility is recalculated each July based on your most recent tax return.
That means if your return isn’t submitted, the CRA cannot determine your eligibility, and your payments might stop — even if you qualify.
Filing a Tax Return Is Required — Even If You Have No Income
Some Canadians may assume that if they earned little or no income, or their income is tax-exempt, they don’t need to file. But the CRA emphasizes that filing is still mandatory if you want to receive or continue receiving benefits and credits, including:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Other federal, provincial, and territorial programs
Even though the CCB is non-taxable — meaning it won’t appear on a tax slip and doesn’t need to be reported — your tax return is still the key to receiving it.
What If You Missed the April 30 Deadline?
Filing Late Is Better Than Not Filing At All
According to the CRA, you can still file your taxes after the deadline. Many people delay filing because they’re unsure of the process or fear making a mistake, but the CRA offers tools to help simplify it.
They also remind Canadians that filing remains important — not just for refunds, but for maintaining access to essential benefit programs.
Easy Ways to File Your Tax Return
Online Filing Is the Preferred Method for Most Canadians
Over 95 per cent of Canadians filed electronically in 2024, according to the CRA. If you haven’t filed yet, the online process can make it easier than ever. Here’s how:
- Use NETFILE-certified tax software: Several free options are available.
- Register for a CRA My Account: This gives you access to services like “Auto-fill my return,” which pre-fills parts of your return with data the CRA already has.
- Verify and complete: Always review the auto-filled return to ensure accuracy before submitting.
More than 19.3 million Canadians used Auto-fill this year — a testament to its convenience.
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What If You Owe Money to the CRA?
You Have Payment Options — But Don’t Delay
If your tax return shows that you owe money, you’re not alone — and the CRA allows payment arrangements if you can’t pay the full amount right away.
However, if you file late and owe taxes, you could be hit with penalties and interest, including:
- Late-filing penalty
- Compound daily interest starting the day after the due date
- Additional charges if your return is reassessed
Filing now — even if you owe — could help you avoid or reduce these costs and ensure you stay on track with benefit eligibility.
The Bottom Line: File Now to Protect Your Benefits and Avoid Penalties
While the April 30 deadline has passed, the window to file and secure your tax-related benefits remains open. The CRA is clear: filing your tax return, even late, is better than not filing at all.