Taxes & Government Benefits: Filing, Owing, and What You're Entitled To
What to do when you owe the CRA, and the benefits and credits many Canadians are entitled to but never claim.
Where are you with your taxes?
Start with the situation that best matches yours.
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I want to file my taxes right
Tax brackets, RRSPs, TFSAs and the filing details that trip people up most.
Explore tax basics -
I owe the CRA or haven't filed
What to do about back taxes, missed returns or a problem with your CRA account.
Get help with tax debt -
I want the benefits I'm entitled to
Federal and provincial programs that can help with childcare, job loss, disability and more.
Explore government benefits -
My tax debt is part of a bigger debt problem
A Licensed Insolvency Trustee can deal with CRA debt alongside your other debts.
Explore debt-relief options
Filing Taxes & Tax Basics
Tax brackets, RRSP and TFSA basics, and the filing mechanics that trip people up most.
- Start here
2026 Income tax return guide
What to know before you file this year's return.
Read the guide - Start here
Tax Brackets, 2025 Tax Year Brackets
How federal tax brackets work, and what they mean for you.
Read the guide
- Is it Better to Invest in RRSP or TFSA? Saving for Retirement
- What Major Life Changes Mean for Your Taxes
- Stop procrastinating and file taxes now
More on Filing Taxes & Tax Basics18
- CERB Repayment: Why some are being told they must pay it back
- Early Access To Your Income Tax Refund
- What To Do If You Haven’t Filed Taxes In 10 years
- Registered Retirement Savings Plan: RRSP
- What is a TFSA: Tax Free Savings Account
- Canada's First time home buyer Incentive
- Capital Gains Tax Canada: Changes and Impact
- EI Benefits are getting an upgrade, for now
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: The upgraded GST Credit
- Self-Employed Taxes For Small Business Owners 2020
- Changes to the First-Time Homebuyer Incentive
- Adjusting Payroll Deductions For A Bigger Income Tax Refund
- RRSP Loans: Should You Get One?
- New tax implications for gig workers
- Are You Eligible for Employment Insurance?
- Ask the Expert: Unexpectedly have to pay taxes?
- What is Disability Tax Credit and Do You Qualify?
- Practical Canadian Tax Tips in 2021
Tax Debt & CRA Issues
What to do if you owe back taxes, haven't filed in years, or are dealing with a CRA account issue.
Stay on top of your taxes in four steps
A little planning through the year makes tax season a lot less stressful.
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File on time
Filing on time, even if you can't pay right away, helps you avoid extra penalties and keeps benefit payments coming.
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Claim what you're owed
Check the credits and deductions you qualify for, from RRSP contributions to the disability tax credit.
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Plan for what you'll owe
If you're self-employed or earn side income, set money aside through the year so the bill isn't a surprise.
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Act early if you owe
If you can't pay in full, reach out to the CRA or get advice early. Waiting usually makes it harder.
Government Benefits
Federal and provincial support programs, some ongoing, some tied to specific circumstances like job loss, disability, or childcare costs.
- Start here
Need financial assistance right now? Here’s where to look
Where to turn first when you need help quickly.
Read the guide - Start here
Financial support: How to get it and where to start from
An overview of support programs and how to apply.
Read the guide
- ChildCare Subsidy for Canadian Parents
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage expansion
- Social Assistance Programs and Debt: What are your options?
More on Government Benefits10
- The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
- Enhanced Powers for the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
- Need help paying bills? See if you qualify for coronavirus support
- Ask the Expert: Should I withdraw from my retirement savings?
- Living with disabilities: Pay equity and financial assistance
- Ask the expert: Should I take EI now or wait?
- $10-a-day Childcare: Benefits and Effects
- Is affordable prescription medicine for Canadians coming?
- CPP and EI contribution changes and their impact on your bank account
- One Canadian Economy Bill: an overview
Tax debt and other debt: when to get help
If back taxes are part of a larger debt picture, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can address CRA debt alongside other creditors. Our free evaluation is a good place to start.
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I can pay what I owe with a plan
Set up a payment arrangement and keep filing on time so the balance doesn't grow.
Learn about back taxes -
My tax debt is adding to other debts
Looking at all your debts together may help you find a more manageable plan.
Explore debt-management options -
I can't keep up with my payments
A consumer proposal or another structured option can often include CRA debt.
Get a free evaluation
Common questions
What happens if I file my taxes late?
If you owe tax, the CRA can charge a late-filing penalty plus interest on the balance. Filing late can also delay benefit and credit payments, so it's usually better to file on time even if you can't pay right away.
Why to file nowWhat if I can't pay my tax bill?
Contact the CRA as soon as you can. You may be able to set up a payment arrangement. Interest keeps building on unpaid balances, so acting early helps.
What to do if you oweShould I use an RRSP or a TFSA?
It depends on your income now, what you expect later and your goals. RRSP contributions can lower your taxable income today, while TFSA withdrawals are generally tax-free. Many people use both.
RRSP or TFSA?What benefits might I qualify for?
It depends on your situation. Programs cover areas like children, disability, job loss, dental care and low income, and many of them depend on filing your tax return each year.
How to get financial supportCan a consumer proposal include tax debt?
In many cases, yes. Personal tax debt owed to the CRA can usually be included in a consumer proposal or a bankruptcy, which are handled by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.
Learn about consumer proposalsTake the next step with your taxes
You don't have to have it all figured out. Start with the question you're trying to answer.
If tax debt is part of a bigger debt problem, Debt.ca can help you understand your options. A free evaluation can walk you through solutions ranging from credit counselling and debt consolidation to more structured options such as a consumer proposal.
Debt.ca provides information to help Canadians understand their debt and credit options. Your available options depend on your individual financial circumstances.
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