In Canada, the personal income tax filing deadline is April 30 each year.
In the United States? Check out our U.S. tips.
As tax season approaches, find someone you can trust with your finances and sensitive personal information.
Dates to know:
The personal income tax filing deadline for Canadians is April 30 each year. If April 30th falls on a Saturday, your return will be considered filed on time in either of the following situations: the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) receives it on or before the following Monday, or it is postmarked on or before the following Monday. You have until June 15 to file your return if you or your spouse or common law-partner are self-employed. If you have a payment owing, the payment is still due on April 30. Corporations must file their tax returns within six months of the end of their fiscal tax year.
Be sure to check with CRA annually for an updated list of key tax due dates and payment deadlines.
Types of tax preparers:
It is important to know when choosing a tax preparer that not all tax preparers are created equally. There are several different types of tax preparers in Canada, each with different training, knowledge, skills and fee structure. The three most common types of tax preparers are:
If you are planning to use the services of a tax preparer or tax professional, please consider these tips.
Questions to ask your tax preparer
How to choose the right tax preparer:
When it comes to choosing the right tax preparer, much will depend on the complexity of your tax situation. Do you have multiple streams of income, do you have back taxes to file, are you operating a business in multiple tax jurisdictions, are you up to date on the ever changing tax laws? After you’ve decided what qualifications your tax preparer needs, the following tips will help you choose someone who is trustworthy and competent:
Review the tax preparer’s credentials. Don’t be afraid to ask about the qualifications and experience of your tax preparer before you hire someone. It is important that you know what type of tax preparer you need, what services they are trained and qualified to provide and what their experience is.
Get referrals from friends and family. One of the best ways to find a trustworthy tax preparer is to ask your loved ones for recommendations. Once you have a few options, check BBB.org, paying careful attention to other consumers’ reviews or complaint details. This will give you a clear view about what you can expect.
Think about availability. If the CRA finds errors in your tax forms or decides to perform an audit, will your tax preparer be available to help you with the details? Find out whether you can contact the tax preparer all year long or only during tax season.
Ask about fees ahead of time. Before you agree to any services, read contracts carefully and understand how much the tax preparer charges for their services. Ask about extra fees for any unexpected complications. Get pricing from different tax preparers with similar qualifications to make sure you are paying a reasonable industry rate.
- If things don’t add up, find someone else. If a tax preparer can’t verify their credentials, has a record of bad reviews from previous clients, or their business practices don’t seem convincing, don’t do business with them. Keep in mind that if you hire them, this individual will handle your sensitive personal information – information you need to keep safe from corrupt or fraudulent tax preparers.
For more information
Additional tax tips resources for consumers
Questions to ask your tax preparer:
How long have you been a tax preparer?
What kind of certifications do you have?
What is your educational background or level of expertise?
Can you provide me with references from other clients?
How long will it take you to complete and file my tax return?
Will you file electronically, or do I need to mail in my return?
How will you protect my private information?
Are you a BBB Accredited Business?