CRA T1 General, Income Tax and Benefit Return
The personal income tax return most residents file each year.
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About CRA T1 General, Income Tax and Benefit Return
The T1 General, Income Tax and Benefit Return, is the main personal tax return in Canada. Residents use it to report income for the year, claim deductions and credits, and work out a refund or a balance owing. It also lets the CRA calculate benefit and credit payments.
You gather slips such as your T4, then enter income, deductions, and credits on the return and its schedules. Most people file for the previous calendar year by the spring deadline. This page is a general helper, not tax advice, so always download and file the current official form from the CRA.
Who needs to complete it
- Residents of Canada who earned income during the year.
- People who want to claim a refund or benefit and credit payments.
- Anyone the CRA has asked to file a return.
- Self employed individuals reporting business or professional income.
How to fill out CRA T1 General, Income Tax and Benefit Return
- 1Enter your name, address, social insurance number, and marital status on the identification page.
- 2Gather your slips, such as T4, T4A, and T5, along with your receipts.
- 3Report all sources of income to reach your total income.
- 4Subtract allowed deductions to find your net income and then your taxable income.
- 5Claim your federal and provincial or territorial non refundable credits on the schedules.
- 6Calculate federal and provincial or territorial tax, then apply credits and amounts already paid.
- 7Work out whether you have a refund or a balance owing.
- 8Sign and date the return, then file online through certified software or mail the paper return to your tax centre.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the T1 return due?
For most people the deadline is April 30 for the previous year. Self employed filers and their spouse have until June 15, but any balance owing is still due by April 30.
Do I need to attach my slips if I file online?
When you file electronically you usually keep your slips and receipts rather than sending them, but you must produce them if the CRA asks.
What if I cannot pay the balance owing?
File on time anyway to avoid a late filing penalty, then contact the CRA about a payment arrangement for the amount you owe.
Is this the official CRA return?
This is a general helper. Always download and file the current official T1 package from the CRA, since amounts and lines change each year.