Tax season is just around the corner, and you’re rushing to gather all the documents you need, worrying you might forget something important. If you’re unsure where to start, having a tax checklist can be a lifesaver to help you stay organized and on track.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to prepare for filing your taxes!

Key Takeaways

• Track your expenses throughout the year by keeping receipts, invoices (especially if you’re self-employed), and other supporting documents.
• Register for a CRA My Account to simplify and streamline the tax filing process.
• Depending on your financial situation and income type, the CRA requires specific forms and receipts.

What Documents Do I Need to File My Taxes?

When filing your taxes either with a tax expert or online, you’ll need to have certain forms and supporting documents ready to complete your return successfully.

This checklist will come in handy when filing your personal income tax return.

Canadian Tax Checklist (Refund-Maximizing)

1) Personal info

• SIN (and spouse/common-law partner SIN)
• Date of birth (you + spouse)
• Current address + province of residence (Dec 31)
• Marital status changes during the year (date of change)
• Dependants: names, SINs (if applicable), DOB, net income, daycare/school info
• Direct deposit info (void cheque) (optional)
• Last year’s tax return + most recent Notice of Assessment/Reassessment

2) Income slips (bring ALL)

Employment / benefits / pensions

• T4 (employment)
• T4A (other income / pensions / scholarships, etc.)
• T4E (EI benefits)
• T4A(OAS) (Old Age Security)
• T4AP (CPP/QPP)
• T5007 (social assistance / workers’ comp—if applicable)
• RRSP/RRIF slips (T4RSP / T4RIF) (if applicable)

Investments

• T3 / T5 (interest, dividends)
• T5008 / brokerage capital gains statement (sales of stocks/ETFs/crypto, etc.)
• Mutual fund / investment summaries (if no slips received)

Other income

• Self-employment / side income (income totals + expense summaries)
• Rental income/expenses (T776 details)
• Foreign income slips / statements (any country)
• Crypto activity summary (buys/sells/swaps; exchange statements)

3) Key “refund boosters” (deductions & credits)

Education

• T2202 tuition slip (you / spouse / child)
• Student loan interest paid (statement)
• Receipts for eligible exam fees / certifications (if applicable)

Family

• Childcare receipts (daycare, after-school, camps) + provider SIN/BN
• Child support paid/received (with agreement details, if applicable)
• Medical expenses (receipts) — include prescriptions, dental, vision, etc.
• Disability Tax Credit documents (T2201 if newly approved)

Housing / moving

• Rent receipts / landlord info (province-dependent credits)
• Property tax amounts (if relevant in your province)
• Moving expenses (if eligible): distance, new job/school address, receipts
• Home office / work-from-home: T2200/T2200S (if applicable) + expense totals

Donations & support

• Charitable donation receipts
• Political contribution receipts (if applicable)
• Union/professional dues (if not on T4)

RRSP / FHSA

• RRSP contribution receipts (Mar–Dec + first 60 days)
• FHSA contribution receipts (if applicable)

4) Big “life events” that change your tax result

• Newcomer to Canada / emigrated (arrival/departure date + immigration status)
• Got married / separated / divorced (date)
• Had a baby / new dependant (DOB, benefits info)
• Bought/sold a home or changed principal residence use (closing docs)
• Sold investments/property (statements)
• Started/stopped being self-employed or incorporated

5) Self-employed / side hustle (if applicable)

• Total income for the year (by source/platform)
• Expense totals + receipts (or categorized summary):
  • Advertising/marketing
  • Supplies/software/subscriptions
  • Phone/internet (business portion)
  • Vehicle expenses + mileage log (business vs personal)
  • Office rent / home office (if eligible)
  • Meals/entertainment (with who/why/when)
• HST/GST filings & instalments (if registered)

6) Foreign reporting (important)

• Foreign property totals (if cost > $100K CAD at any time—details needed)
• Foreign pensions / income / taxes paid (slips/statements)
• Overseas bank/investment statements (if applicable)