The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that EFILE and NETFILE will open on February 23, 2026, allowing Canadians to begin filing their 2025 personal income tax returns.

Filing early is the fastest way to receive your refund, avoid penalties, and keep your government benefits uninterrupted.

If you are looking for personal tax filing in Hamilton, the GTA, or anywhere in Ontario, this guide explains everything you need to know for the 2026 tax season.

Key CRA Tax Deadlines for 2026

Understanding the deadlines helps you avoid late-filing penalties and interest.

📅 April 30, 2026

• Personal tax filing deadline
• Tax balance payment deadline

📅 June 15, 2026

• Filing deadline for self-employed individuals
• ⚠️ Any taxes owing must still be paid by April 30, 2026.

📅 March 2, 2026

• RRSP contribution deadline for the 2025 tax year

What’s New for the 2026 Tax Season

1️⃣ Digital Notices of Assessment

Many taxpayers will receive their Notice of Assessment electronically through CRA My Account and certified tax software.

This provides faster access for:

• Mortgage applications
• Benefit verification
• Income confirmation

2️⃣ Enhanced Auto-Fill My Return

The improved Auto-Fill My Return service allows more tax data to be imported directly from CRA, including:

• T-slips
• RRSP contributions
• Carry-forward amounts

This reduces errors and speeds up processing.

3️⃣ Expanded Disability Supports Deduction

More eligible expenses can now be claimed, helping individuals who rely on specialized medical and support services.

4️⃣ SimpleFile for Eligible Canadians

Lower-income and fixed-income individuals may qualify to file quickly using CRA’s simplified filing option.

Why You Should File Your Taxes Early in 2026

Early filing helps you:

✅ Get your refund in as little as 10–14 business days with direct deposit

✅ Avoid last-minute stress

✅ Prevent delays in benefits such as:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• GST/HST credit
• Ontario Trillium Benefit

Who Should File a Tax Return — Even With No Income

You should still file to:

• Receive benefit payments
• Claim refundable tax credits
• Create RRSP contribution room
• Carry forward tuition credits

Many students, newcomers, and seniors in Ontario miss refunds simply because they do not file.

Tax Filing Checklist for 2026

Bring these documents to your CPA to ensure accurate and fast EFILE processing:

Income Slips

• T4 – Employment income
• T5 – Investment income
• T4A – Pension, freelance, or other income

Deductions & Credits

• RRSP contribution slips
• T2202 – Tuition fees
• Medical expenses
• Childcare expenses
• Rent or property tax receipts

For Self-Employed Individuals

• Business income summary
• Expense details
• Home office calculation
• Vehicle usage log

CRA Refund Processing Time (2026)

• EFILE with direct deposit → 10 to 14 business days
• Paper returns → up to 8 weeks or more

Why Work With a CPA Firm for CRA EFILE?

A professional CPA firm helps ensure:

✔ Accurate reporting of income and deductions

✔ Identification of eligible credits

✔ Proper handling of self-employment income

✔ Support in case of CRA reviews or requests

Personal Tax Filing in Hamilton & the GTA

At Momentum Accounting CPA Professional Corporation, we assist:

• Individuals
• Students
• Self-employed professionals
• Newcomers to Canada
• Seniors

with accurate and timely CRA EFILE services across Ontario.

📍 Hamilton, Ontario

📞 905-869-0000

Book your appointment today to file early and avoid the rush.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does CRA EFILE open for 2026?

CRA EFILE and NETFILE open on February 23, 2026, for filing 2025 personal tax returns.

What is the tax filing deadline in Canada for 2026?

The filing deadline for most individuals is April 30, 2026.

Self-employed individuals have until June 15, 2026, but any balance owing must be paid by April 30, 2026.

How long does it take to get a tax refund from CRA?

Electronically filed returns with direct deposit are typically processed within 10 to 14 business days.

Should I file my taxes early?

Yes. Filing early helps you:

• Receive your refund faster
• Avoid penalties
• Prevent benefit payment interruptions

Do I need to file a tax return if I had no income?

Yes, filing allows you to:

• Receive government benefits
• Claim refundable credits
• Build RRSP room
• Carry forward tuition amounts

File Your 2026 Taxes With Confidence

Momentum Accounting CPA Professional Corporation provides reliable, professional CRA EFILE services in Hamilton, the GTA, and across Ontario.

📞 Call 905-869-0000 today to schedule your tax filing consultation.