For organizational reference purposes only: Preparing for year-end taxes is crucial for both individuals and businesses in Canada. Below is a thorough checklist for Canadian individuals, including key deadlines and essential documentation.

Canadian Individual Tax Checklist (T1)

This list focuses on income earned during the calendar year (January 1 to December 31).

1. Key Deadlines & Preliminary Tasks

Event	Deadline (General)	Notes
RRSP Contribution	March 1 (following year)	Last day to contribute and claim a deduction for the previous tax year.
Tax Payment Due	April 30	Payment of any outstanding balance is due by this date. Interest applies after this date.
Filing Deadline (General)	April 30	The official filing deadline for most individuals.
Filing Deadline (Self-Employed)	June 15	The filing deadline is extended, but payment is still due by April 30.
File T1135 (Foreign Property)	Same as T1 filing deadline	Required if foreign property cost exceeds $100,000$ CAD.

• Gather Personal Data: Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, and current address.
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner: Gather their SIN, date of birth, and net income (even if they are filing separately), as this impacts many credits.
• CRA My Account Login to check for unfiled slips, Notice of Assessment (NOA) details, and available contribution room.

2. Income Information Slips

Gather all official slips that report income, generally available by late February or early March.

• T4 For employment income and details of other benefits such as commissions, taxable allowances and benefits, etc.
• T4/T4A Preparation: Prepare and file T4 slips (for employees) and T4A slips (for contractors/pension/fees) by the deadline.
• T4A Employment Income Statement of Remuneration amounts paid during the calendar year for certain types of income from many different sources, including self-employed commissions, RESP educational assistance payments, annuities, and other self-employed, commissioned income, including scholarships, RESP payments, etc.

T4PS Income to an employee who is a beneficiary of an Employee’s Profit Sharing Plan (EPSP)

• Government Benefits:
  • T4A OAS Old Age Security benefits.
  • T4A P CPP/QPP Benefits.
  • T4E Employment Insurance and Other Benefits.
  • T5007 Workers’ Compensation, Social Assistance.

• Investment Income:
  • For mutual fund income in Canada, you may receive one or more of the following Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) forms, depending on the legal structure of the fund and the type of income generated:
    •    T3 Trust Income: payments from estates or trusts, including capital gains, dividends, interest, and return of capital, such as a Mutual fund structured as a trust.
    •    T5 Statement of Investment Income: Reports Canadian interest income, dividends, and capital gains, if you own shares of a mutual fund that is structured as a corporation.
    •    T5008 Statement of Securities Transactions Details, including transaction commissions, “your annual trading summary”) Proceeds from the sale of any stocks, bonds, real estate, options or redemption of any mutual fund units in a non-registered account.
    • Transactions, you will generally receive a T5008 slip from your broker or fund company when you sell or redeem your mutual fund units or shares. This slip reports the proceeds of disposition and sometimes the cost or book value ( This information is used to calculate capital gains or losses on Schedule 3 of your personal tax return. Note: though you are responsible for calculating your own Adjusted Cost Base (ACB)). CRA info
      Note: If your mutual funds are held within a tax-advantaged registered account (such as a TFSA or RRSP), you generally do not have to report the income or transactions on your annual tax return.
    • T4RSP/T4RIF This slip is to report RRSP/RRIF Income.
    • T4FHSA This slip is to report the First Home Savings Account Statement.
• Self-Employment/Business Income:
  • T2125 Statement of Business/Professional Activities – Requires a detailed summary of revenue and expenses.

3. Deductions and Credits: Collect all receipts and supporting documentation for any amounts you wish to deduct or claim as a credit.

• Registered Plan Contributions:
  • RRSP contribution receipts (for contributions made in the year and in the first 60 days of the following year).FHSA contribution receipts.
• Health and Wellness:
  • Medical expense receipts (prescription drugs, dental, vision, travel medical, etc.).
    • Confirmation of eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (Form T2201).
      • Or if you’re over 65 and paid for expenses to renovate your home to make it safer and accessible.
    • Over 70 support for aging at home: bathroom, walking, hospital beds, glasses, diapers, etc.
  • Dependants and Family: Childcare expense receipts (must include caregiver’s SIN or Business Number). 
    • Camps or sports schools with the primary goal of caring for children, enabling you to work or attend school.
  • Adoption expenses.
  • Spousal/Child support payments paid or received.l
• Education:
  • T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate).
  • Receipts for interest paid on student loans.
• Employment/Business Expenses:
  • T2200 (Declaration of Conditions of Employment) signed by your employer, if claiming work-related expenses.
  • Paid union or professional dues and certifications, such as those for Nurses, Teachers, and  Engineers, not listed on T4.
  • Home office expenses (simplified or detailed method receipts/calculations).
  • Tradesperson’s tool expenses.
• Other Major Deductions/Credits:
  • Charitable and political donation receipts.
  • Moving expenses (if moving for work or school); applicable if you move at least 40 km closer to your new place of employment, business, or studies (with documented proof, expenses with receipts.
  • Records for any sale or deemed sale of stocks, bonds, or real estate (Capital Gains/Losses noted via S3 capital gains schedule). This includes the sale of the principal residence.
  • Interest and carrying charges on loans to earn investment income.
  • T5006 Statement of registered labour-sponsored venture capital corporation class A shares.
  • Expense incurred to earn investment income: investment counsel fees, with detailed receipts or statements.

Disclaimer: This checklist is for organizational purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional tax advice. Always consult with a qualified Canadian tax professional (e.g., a CPA) to ensure you meet all your specific tax obligations and maximize your benefits.