The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is urging Canadians who missed the April 30, 2025 deadline for their 2024 income tax return to file as soon as possible. While the deadline has passed, that doesn’t mean the opportunity is gone. You could still receive valuable refunds and ensure uninterrupted access to benefits.
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Why Filing Now Could Put Money Back in Your Pocket
Filing late doesn’t mean losing out. Millions of Canadians who filed on time are already seeing real financial returns:
- 13.9 million refunds issued
- $30.8 billion refunded in total
- Average refund: $2,202
Even if you’re behind, you could still receive your refund and access key benefits like:
- Canada Child Benefit
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Workers Benefit
In 2024 alone, CRA issued $52 billion in benefits to eligible individuals — and the only way to receive or continue receiving them is to file your return.
Fast and Simple Ways to File Your 2024 Taxes Today
More than 27.8 million tax returns have already been filed. Here’s how you can quickly get caught up:
Online Filing Options
Over 26.5 million Canadians have filed online using NETFILE-certified software — many of which are free. These platforms are secure, efficient, and CRA-approved.
Free Tax Clinics
If you have a modest income and a simple return, trained volunteers at CRA’s free tax clinics can help. Over 765,000 Canadians have already used this service in 2025.
SimpleFile by Phone
This lesser-known method is gaining traction. More than 70,500 people have filed using SimpleFile, a secure phone-based option.
Auto-Fill My Return
Avoid mistakes and save time. CRA’s Auto-fill My Return feature — used by 19.3 million users — pre-loads your return with available information.
What’s New in 2025? CRA Tools That Make Filing Easier
CRA has added several new features to support late and on-time filers alike:
Document Verification Service
Over 280,000 Canadians used this tool to quickly verify their identity online — no waiting for a mailed security code.
Live Online Chat
Help is just a click away. You can now chat directly with a CRA agent from your My Account portal.
One Login for All CRA Services
CRA simplified access to My Account, My Business Account, and Represent a Client using a single sign-in system.
GenAI Chatbot (Beta)
A smart new feature for 2025 — this AI-powered chatbot can answer tax questions 24/7 with personalized responses.
CRA Call Centre Hours Are Changing
Beginning May 10, 2025, CRA phone support will be available Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET). Service on weekends and holidays will be paused to improve response times during peak weekday hours.
Late-Filing Relief and Extended Deadlines for Some Canadians
If you’re filing certain specialized forms, CRA is offering temporary relief:
- T1 Individuals: No penalties or interest until June 2, 2025
- T3 Trusts: Relief available until May 1, 2025, including forms like T1135, T3 Schedule 15, and Schedule 130
What to Do If You Owe Taxes
If you have a balance due, CRA offers flexible solutions:
- Set up online payment arrangements
- Apply for a payment plan
- Be aware: Penalties and compound interest started accruing on May 1, 2025
Even if you owe, filing now can help limit additional charges and ensure your benefits are not interrupted.
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Need Help? CRA Offers Free Resources
Filing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. CRA provides several tools to help:
- Get ready to do your taxes – A preparation checklist
- Common tax questions – Answers to FAQs
- Learn about your taxes – A beginner-friendly course
- Taxology Podcast – CRA’s official podcast for simple tax tips
Final Thought: It’s Not Too Late — But Don’t Wait
Whether you expect a refund, owe taxes, or rely on benefits, filing your 2024 return is still essential. With billions already refunded and new services in place, it’s never been easier to file — even if you’re late.