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Filing taxes in Canada

In Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is a government agency responsible for collecting taxes and administering various benefit and credit payments. 

In Canada, completing an income tax form and sending it to the government is referred to as filing a tax return. You must file a tax return if any of the following apply to you:

  • Student residing in Canada. You can find more information on your residential ties to Canada on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.
  • Earned income from employment.
  • Received a scholarship, bursary or fellowship while in Canada.
  • Want to be eligible for tax benefits and credits.

Contact the CRA directly if you want to:

  • Determine your residency status in Canada for tax filing purposes.
  • Find out if there are any tax treaties between Canada and your home country that will affect you.
  • Inquire about your past tax returns or documents received by the CRA. 

Canadian tax system

  • What are the benefits of filing taxes in Canada?

    By filing your tax return, you may be eligible for a tax refund and/or benefit and credit payments.

  • What is the deadline to file taxes?
    In Canada, the tax year goes from January 1 to December 31. Income tax forms must be completed and submitted by April 30 of the following year. For example, you must file for the 2025 tax year—which is January 1 to December 31, 2025—by April 30, 2026.
  • What documents do I need when filing taxes?

    The documents you may need while filing your taxes can vary. Generally, the documents you will need are the ones mentioned on the list below. You can also refer to the CRA website for more information on other documents you can bring to the tax clinic.

    1. A Social Insurance Number (SIN). Instructions on how to receive a SIN can be found on our website in the Working in Canada section.
    2. T4 - Statement of Remuneration Paid
      • Income slip if you have earned money. This will be provided by the employer.
      • If you worked on-campus you can find this on your MyOntarioTech account.
    3. T4A - Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income
      • This is used for any awards, bursaries and/or scholarships you have received.
      • If you received bursaries/scholarships from Ontario Tech, you can receive your T4A slip on your MyOntarioTech account.
    4. T2202 - Tuition and Enrolment Certificate
    5. Rent receipts if you live off-campus.
    6. T3 or T5 forms if you earned interest on investments and deposits (issued by banking and financial institutions).
    7. Medical expenses that are not paid by your health insurance.
    8. Charitable donations - ensure to bring your tax receipts that are provided by the charity.

    T2202, T4, and T4A forms are made available on MyOntarioTech. Visit the Office of the Registrar's tax information page for more information.


Tax filing support


International students are responsible for filing their own taxes, much like domestic students and other Canadian permanent residents and citizens.