The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that online filing for the 2025 tax year opens on February 23, 2026. But before rushing to file, the agency is urging Canadians to make sure they’ve received all required tax slips and receipts to avoid reassessments, delays or refund slowdowns.

While NETFILE opens in late February, most employers and financial institutions are not required to issue major slips like T4s and T5s until March 2, 2026. Filing too early could mean missing critical income information.

Here’s what Canadians should know before submitting their return.

Why Waiting Can Actually Protect Your Refund

The CRA emphasizes that one of the most important steps in filing correctly is ensuring every income slip is accounted for.

If a slip is missing:

• Your return may be reassessed
• Refunds may be delayed
• You could owe interest on unreported income

Although the CRA receives copies of slips from employers and banks, it does not issue them directly. They only appear in your CRA My Account after the issuer submits them.

If a slip hasn’t arrived, contact your employer or financial institution — not the CRA.

Common Tax Slips and Their Deadlines

Here are the most frequently issued slips and when to expect them:

T4 — Statement of Remuneration Paid

• Employment income
• Issued by your employer
• Deadline: March 2, 2026

T4A — Pension, Retirement and Other Income

• Pension income, scholarships, annuities, RESP withdrawals
• Issued by financial institutions
• Deadline: March 2, 2026

T5 — Statement of Investment Income

• Interest, dividends, foreign income
• Issued by banks or brokers
• Deadline: March 2, 2026

T3 — Trust Income

• Income from trusts
• Deadline: March 31, 2026 (for Dec. 31 year-end trusts)

If you don’t receive one by the deadline, check your employer’s HR portal or your bank’s online account.

Using Auto-Fill My Return

If you file using certified software like TurboTax or UFile, you can use the CRA’s Auto-Fill My Return feature.

How It Works

1. Launch Auto-Fill through certified software
2. Log into CRA My Account
3. Import available slips automatically
4. Review and confirm entries before filing

Important: Auto-Fill only imports slips already submitted to the CRA. If something is missing, you must enter it manually.

Don’t Forget Receipts

Auto-Fill does not include many deductions and credits.

You’ll still need to manually enter:

• Rent paid
• Medical expenses
• Child care expenses
• Moving expenses
• Tuition or education amounts
• Charitable donations
• Any slips not yet uploaded

Organizing receipts early can help maximize credits and reduce mistakes.

Key 2026 Filing Deadlines

• February 23, 2026 – Online filing opens
• March 2, 2026 – RRSP contribution deadline for 2025
• April 30, 2026 – Filing and payment deadline
• June 15, 2026 – Filing deadline for self-employed individuals

Even if self-employed, any tax owing must be paid by April 30.

What If You File and Realize There’s a Mistake?

If you discover an error after filing:

• Do not submit a second return
• Wait for your Notice of Assessment (about 2 weeks for online filers)
• Request a change through CRA My Account or certified software

Online change requests are typically processed within two weeks.

You can monitor progress through the CRA’s online tracker.

Smart Preparation Tips

Before February 23:

• Confirm access to CRA My Account
• Update your mailing address and direct deposit details
• Gather all slips and receipts
• Check RRSP contribution totals
• Verify employer-issued documents

Preparation now can prevent delays later.

Why Filing Too Early Can Backfire

Since slip deadlines fall after NETFILE opens, filing immediately on February 23 may mean:

• Missing income documents
• Increased reassessment risk
• Unexpected balances owing

Waiting until early March often ensures more complete reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does tax season open in 2026?

February 23, 2026.

When are T4 slips due?

Employers must issue T4s by March 2, 2026.

Should I file as soon as NETFILE opens?

It’s best to wait until you have all slips to avoid errors.

What does Auto-Fill My Return include?

Only slips already submitted to the CRA.

Can I correct a mistake after filing?

Yes. Request a change after receiving your Notice of Assessment.

What is the RRSP deadline?

March 2, 2026.

Will filing early speed up my refund?

Not necessarily. Missing slips could delay processing.