In spring 2027, you'll be filing your income tax return for the 2026 tax year. Whether you're an employee, retired or self-employed, here are all the dates to mark in your calendar, federally (CRA) and in Québec (Revenu Québec).
The 2027 calendar at a glance
| Date | What to do | Who |
|---|---|---|
| March 1, 2027 | Last day to contribute to an RRSP and deduct it for 2026 | Everyone |
| March 15, 2027 | 1st 2027 tax instalment | Those required to pay instalments |
| April 30, 2027 | File your 2026 return and pay any balance owing | Individuals |
| April 30, 2027 | Pay any balance owing, even though you can file later | Self-employed individuals and their spouses |
| June 15, 2027 | File your 2026 return | Self-employed individuals and their spouses |
| June 15, 2027 | 2nd 2027 tax instalment | Those required to pay instalments |
| September 15, 2027 | 3rd 2027 tax instalment | Those required to pay instalments |
| December 15, 2027 | 4th 2027 tax instalment | Those required to pay instalments |
When a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, a payment received on the next business day is considered on time.
GST and QST: different dates
If you're registered for the GST and QST, your sales tax returns follow their own calendar:
- Annual return (self-employed, with a fiscal year matching the calendar year): file by June 15, 2027, but payment is due April 30, 2027.
- Quarterly or monthly return: file and pay one month after the end of the reporting period.
Who has to pay tax instalments?
Instalments mainly apply to self-employed people and anyone whose tax isn't withheld at source. If the CRA or Revenu Québec sends you an instalment reminder, you probably need to pay them. Missing them leads to interest, and sometimes a penalty.
What could change in 2028
The same budget also proposes raising the federal threshold for instalments (from $1,800 to $4,500 of net tax for Québec residents). We'll update this article as soon as these measures are adopted.
Our tips for a stress-free tax season
- Gather your slips (T4, RL-1, T5, etc.) as they arrive in February and March.
- Self-employed? Keep your receipts sorted by month all year long. It's much easier than in April!
- File electronically: you'll get your refund faster.