CRA Tax Changes 2026: What\'s New for the 2026 Tax-Filing Season (Canada)
This guide is for Canadian filers who want a fast, accurate summary of CRA updates before filing. If you want to compare filing options, start with our tax software comparison hub.
Key dates
April 30 + June 15
Payment still due April 30.
Account security
Backup MFA option
Passcode grid or authenticator app.
Benefits update
GST credit changes
Proposed, subject to approval.
Video briefing
Watch: CRA 2026 overview
A concise walkthrough of the key changes and reminders for the 2026 filing season.
What this covers
- Filing deadlines and timing
- CRA account security updates
- Benefits and credit changes (overview)
Prefer to read? The detailed sections start right below the video.
Key CRA filing dates for 2026 (for 2025 taxes)
- NETFILE typically opens in late February (confirm the exact date on CRA).
- April 30, 2026: filing deadline for most individuals.
- June 15, 2026: filing deadline for self-employed individuals, but any balance owing is still due April 30.
If you owe, do not wait. File early and pay on time to avoid interest.
CRA account & digital updates (2026)
Backup multi-factor authentication (MFA)
CRA account users are prompted to add a backup MFA option such as a passcode grid or authenticator app. A phone number is not a backup option.
NETFILE access code - easier to find
The 8-character NETFILE access code can be found inside CRA My Account or on your Notice of Assessment.
Viewing your Notice of Assessment (NOA) online
Your NOA appears in CRA My Account after processing. Save a PDF copy for your records.
Grocery rebate / GST credit updates (2026)
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST credit) includes a proposed one-time top-up and a 25% increase starting July 2026, subject to approval. Exact amounts depend on family net income and eligibility.
Tax brackets & credits (2026)
Canada uses progressive tax brackets. Your income is taxed in slices rather than a single flat rate. Check official CRA rates before filing to confirm current thresholds and credits.
Check CRA rates ->Common situations
Students
What to collect: T2202 tuition slip, T4/T4A income slips, student loan interest (if applicable).
Common mistake: Forgetting to claim or carry forward unused tuition amounts.
Families / childcare
What to collect: Childcare receipts, dependant info, and details for benefits or credits.
Common mistake: Claiming the wrong parent or missing eligible childcare costs.
New to Canada
What to collect: Arrival date, residency status details, Canadian income slips, foreign income records.
Common mistake: Misreporting residency dates or omitting foreign income information.
Self-employed / gig workers
What to collect: Income totals, expense receipts, mileage logs, and GST/HST/QST details.
Common mistake: Mixing personal and business expenses or missing GST/HST filings.
Moving provinces
What to collect: Your province of residence on December 31, address change date, and moving expenses if eligible.
Common mistake: Using the wrong provincial tax package or missing address updates.
Medical expenses
What to collect: Receipts, insurance statements, and totals for the claim period.
Common mistake: Claiming expenses outside the 12-month window or missing eligible items.
Donations
What to collect: Official donation receipts and totals for the year.
Common mistake: Not keeping receipts or misreporting split-year donations.
2026 filing checklist (fast)
- T4, T4A, T5, and any other income slips
- RRSP contribution receipts
- Tuition (T2202) and student loan interest
- Medical expense receipts and insurance statements
- Donation receipts
- Childcare receipts and dependant details
- Self-employment income and expense totals
- Moving expense receipts (if eligible)
- Last year's Notice of Assessment
- Direct deposit details and CRA My Account access
Best tax software in Canada (2026): quick picks
TurboTax
Guided flow with clear prompts and review checks.
See details ->
Wealthsimple Tax
Fast, clean interface for straightforward returns.
See details ->
H&R Block
Options for DIY plus extra help if needed.
See details ->
UFile
Structured DIY workflow with budget-friendly pricing.
See details ->
Quebec note
Quebec residents generally file a federal return and a provincial return. For QST-specific guidance, see the Quebec GST/HST + QST guide.
FAQ
When can I file my 2025 taxes in 2026?
What is the NETFILE access code and where do I find it?
What changed with CRA account security in 2026?
Do self-employed people have a different deadline?
What is the grocery rebate / GST credit change in 2026?
Do I need to file a tax return to receive benefits?
What slips should I wait for before filing?
Which tax software is best for my situation?
How does Quebec differ?
What if I made a mistake after filing?
Educational only, not tax advice.