Tax Season Starts February 23! Here’s What You Need to Start Filing
Good news! Starting February 23, 2026, you can file your 2025 income tax return online. Tax season is officially here, and if you want to get your refund quickly and claim all the benefits you’re entitled to, it’s time to get prepared. Last year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) received more than 33 million tax returns, and 93% were filed online — which is the fastest way to get your money back.
Let’s face it: taxes can feel overwhelming. But they don’t have to be. When you understand what you need and when you need it, tax season becomes a lot less stressful. Plus, filing on time means you’ll get your refund faster and avoid penalties.
Why Filing Early Matters
Last year, Canadians received more than $56.1 billion in benefit payments from the CRA. That’s money going back into your pocket to help with everyday expenses. More than 19 million refunds were issued, with an average amount of $2,000. And here’s the best part: 79% of those refunds were issued by direct deposit, which means people got their money faster.
When you file early in tax season, you join the queue ahead of the rush. You’ll get your refund sooner, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s done. Plus, many benefit payments — like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the GST/HST credit — depend on your tax return being filed.
What You Need Before You Start Filing
Before you sit down to file your taxes, make sure you have all your documents ready. Missing paperwork is one of the biggest reasons people delay filing or make mistakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tax slips: These include your T4 (employment income), T5 (investment income), T4A (pension or other income), and any other slips showing income you received in 2025.
- RRSP contribution receipts: If you contributed to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan, you’ll need receipts to claim your deduction.
- Childcare expense receipts: If you paid for childcare so you could work or go to school, keep those receipts handy.
- Medical expense receipts: You can claim eligible medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependants.
- Donation receipts: Charitable donations can reduce your tax bill, so don’t forget these.
- Home office expenses: If you worked from home, you might be able to claim a deduction.
The CRA recommends waiting until you have all your tax slips before you file. Most employers and financial institutions send slips by the end of February, so by the time tax season starts on February 23, you should have everything you need.
Key Dates and Deadlines for Tax Season
Missing a tax deadline can cost you money in penalties and interest. Mark these important dates in your calendar right now:
- February 23, 2026: You can start filing your 2025 tax return online.
- April 30, 2026: This is the deadline for most individuals to file their tax return and pay any taxes owed. If you miss this date and owe money, you’ll be charged late-filing penalties and interest.
- June 15, 2026: If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you have until this date to file. But if you owe taxes, you still need to pay by April 30 to avoid interest charges.
Even if you can’t pay what you owe right away, file your return on time. The late-filing penalty is 5% of what you owe, plus 1% for each month you’re late, up to 12 months. That adds up fast.
How to Get Started with Your CRA Account
If you haven’t already, register for a CRA My Account. This free online service lets you view your tax information, check your refund status, sign up for direct deposit, and more. It’s your one-stop shop for managing your taxes year-round.
The CRA has improved their Personal Income Tax web page to make it easier to navigate. You’ll find helpful information for before, during, and after the tax-filing process all in one place.
When you sign in to your CRA account this tax season, you might be prompted to add a backup multi-factor authentication (MFA) option. This is an extra security step to protect your account. You can skip it if you want, but adding it helps keep your personal information safe.
If you’ve forgotten your CRA account sign-in information or the answers to your security questions, don’t worry. More than 64,000 people have already regained access by completing the online registration process again. It’s simple and can save you time.
Sign Up for Direct Deposit to Get Your Refund Faster
If you’re expecting a tax refund, direct deposit is the way to go. Your money gets deposited directly into your account at a Canadian bank or credit union — no waiting for a cheque in the mail, no trip to the bank.
Last year, more than 1.1 million Canadians signed up for direct deposit, and there are now more than 28 million people enrolled. Setting it up is easy through your CRA My Account, and once it’s done, you’ll get all your refunds and benefit payments faster and more securely.
Why Professional Tax Help Is the Smart Choice This Tax Season
Canada’s tax system is complex and constantly changing. Even a return that seems straightforward can have hidden opportunities for deductions and credits that are easy to miss when filing on your own.
Filing errors, missed deadlines, and overlooked credits can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The CRA processes millions of returns each year, and even small mistakes can trigger delays, reassessments, or audits. Working with an experienced tax professional means your return is done right the first time.
At JHG Corporate and Tax Services Inc., our team stays up to date on every CRA rule change so you don’t have to. We help individuals, families, and business owners across Canada file accurately, maximize their refunds, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether your situation is straightforward or more involved, professional guidance gives you confidence and peace of mind.
What British Columbia Residents Should Know
If you live in British Columbia, here are some key numbers from last tax year:
- More than 3.9 million BC residents filed a 2024 tax return online — that’s 95% of all filers.
- More than 126,100 BC residents used various tax preparation services.
- Eligible BC residents received an average of $8,239 in Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments (including related provincial programs).
- Eligible BC residents received an average of $629 in GST/HST credit payments.
These benefits can make a real difference in your household budget, but you need to file your tax return to receive them.
Don’t Forget About Benefits and Credits
Filing your tax return isn’t just about getting a refund. It’s also how the CRA determines your eligibility for important benefits and credits, including:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Monthly tax-free payments to help with the cost of raising children under 18.
- GST/HST credit: Quarterly payments to help low- and modest-income individuals and families offset the sales tax they pay.
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): A refundable tax credit for low-income workers.
- Climate Action Incentive Payment: Quarterly payments to help offset the cost of federal pollution pricing.
Even if you didn’t earn much income in 2025, you should still file a return. Many of these benefits are calculated based on your tax return, and you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you don’t file.
Life Changes That Affect Your Taxes
Did something major happen in your life in 2025? Events like getting married, having a baby, buying a home, or retiring can all have tax implications. The CRA has resources to help you understand how these milestones affect your tax situation.
Make sure to update your marital status and any other personal information in your CRA My Account. This ensures you receive the correct benefit payments and helps avoid issues down the road.
Why Working with a Tax Professional Makes Sense
While the CRA offers great free resources, many Canadians benefit from working with a professional tax preparer or accountant. This is especially true if you’re self-employed, own a business, have rental income, or have a more complex tax situation.
A professional can help you maximize your deductions and credits, ensure your return is accurate, and give you peace of mind. They stay up to date on all the latest tax rules and changes, so you don’t have to. Plus, if the CRA has questions about your return, your tax professional can handle the communication for you.
At JHG Corporate and Tax Services, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians and business owners file their taxes with confidence. We take the stress out of tax season and make sure you’re getting every dollar you deserve. Whether you need help with a simple personal return or complex corporate filings, we’re here to support you.
Get Ready for Tax Season Now
Tax season starts on February 23, 2026, and there’s no reason to wait until the last minute. Start gathering your documents now, update your CRA My Account, and sign up for direct deposit if you haven’t already. The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund and any benefits you’re entitled to.
Remember, filing on time helps you avoid penalties and interest. And when you need help, working with a trusted professional like JHG Corporate and Tax Services Inc. is the best way to make the process smooth, stress-free, and ensure you’re getting every dollar you deserve.
Happy filing!
Need Help With Taxes?
When it comes to taxes, they are always changing, always being updated!
That’s why it’s always smart to work with professionals like JHG Corporate and Tax Services Inc.
Get expert help to make sure you’re receiving every dollar you deserve — no hidden errors, no missed benefits.
Click here to book an appointment with a real tax pro today! Or call us directly at 778-691-5566.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does tax season start in Canada for 2026?
Tax season starts on February 23, 2026. This is when you can begin filing your 2025 income tax return online with the CRA. It’s best to file early to get your refund faster and avoid the last-minute rush.
What deadline do I need to know when tax season starts?
The main deadline is April 30, 2026, for most Canadians to file their tax return and pay any taxes owed. If you’re self-employed, you have until June 15, 2026, to file, but you still need to pay any taxes owing by April 30 to avoid interest charges.
What documents do I need to file my taxes when tax season starts?
You’ll need all your tax slips (T4, T5, T4A, etc.), RRSP contribution receipts, childcare and medical expense receipts, donation receipts, and records of any home office expenses. Wait until you have all your slips before filing to avoid errors.
How can I get my tax refund faster this tax season?
Sign up for direct deposit through your CRA My Account before you file. This way, your refund goes straight into your bank account instead of waiting for a cheque in the mail. More than 28 million Canadians already use direct deposit for faster, more secure payments.
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When it comes to taxes, they are always changing, always being updated!
That is why it is always recommended to use a professional like JHG Corporate and Tax Services Inc to get your taxes done to ensure you are getting the most out of your tax return.
Click here to book an appointment with a real tax pro now!
Or Call Our Hotline Today: 778-691-5566
