Personal Tax FAQs
Our goal is to make tax season as smooth and efficient as possible. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive. If you need additional assistance, our team is always happy to help.
The filing deadline for most individuals is April 30. If you or your spouse/common-law partner are self-employed, the filing deadline is June 15; however, any taxes owing are still due by April 30.
Common documents include T4, T5, T3, RRSP contribution slips, tuition slips (T2202), medical expenses, property tax/rent receipts, childcare expenses, and charitable donation receipts. If you're unsure, send what you have—we’ll review and follow up if anything is missing. Our tax checklist is also a very helpful guide.
You can submit your documents through our secure client portal or in person (by appointment). Please avoid sending multiple packages—one complete package helps us process your return more efficiently.
Most returns are completed remotely. Appointments are available if needed—just reach out to schedule.
Submit all documents at once, respond promptly to any follow-up questions, and ensure your contact information is up to date.
Turnaround time is generally about 10 business days, depending on volume and complexity. During peak season (April), timelines may be slightly longer if all documents are not received.
After filing, you’ll receive a copy of your return, and the CRA will issue a Notice of Assessment.
If you owe taxes, payment is due by April 30 to avoid interest.
Refunds are typically issued within 2 weeks (if direct deposit is set up) or 4–6 weeks (if receiving a cheque) from CRA directly
Refunds can vary year to year based on changes in income, deductions, credits, and tax withholdings. A lower refund does not necessarily mean something is wrong—it often reflects changes in your personal tax situation.
Taxes owing can result from insufficient tax withheld at source, investment or rental income, self-employment income, or changes in tax credits. We can help you plan ahead to minimize this in future years with a tax consultation.
Payments can be made through online banking, CRA My Account, or at your financial institution. We will provide guidance once your return is complete.
Yes—with your authorization through your CRA My Account. Please contact our office if you need assistance setting this up.
CRA typically communicates by mail or through your online account. Be cautious of unexpected spam phone calls or emails requesting personal information or payment.
It’s not unusual to receive requests from CRA. We can certainly help guide you through the process and prepare a response if needed. This service is outside the scope of your tax return filing and is billed separately.
If the CRA requests documentation, they will contact you directly. You will need to provide copies of the requested documents. We can assist you in preparing a response if needed. This service is outside the scope of your tax return and is billed separately.
A review is a routine request from the CRA to verify specific items on your tax return, such as medical expenses, charitable donations, childcare, etc. An audit is more detailed and involves a comprehensive examination of your financial records.
It’s not uncommon to be selected for a review or audit. We can help guide you through the process and assist in preparing a response. This service is outside the scope of your tax return filing and is billed separately.
Yes. You should keep all supporting documents for at least seven years in case CRA requests them.
No. Your original slips and supporting documents are not submitted with your electronically filed tax return. You should keep all documents in your records in case the CRA requests to see them later.
We require complete and accurate information before filing your return. Filing with missing information can lead to reassessments, penalties, or interest.
Absolutely. We can prepare prior-year returns and help bring you up to date.
Yes. If something was missed or needs correction, we can file an adjustment. This service is outside the scope of your original tax return filing and is billed separately.
Yes—we offer tax planning services to help reduce future tax liabilities, especially for individuals with investment income, rental properties, or self-employment/income through a corporation.
Your tax preparation fee includes the preparation and filing of your return based on the information you provide. Additional services such as tax planning, CRA correspondence, adjustments, or advisory work are billed separately.
Yes. As part of our process, we review your information to ensure all applicable deductions and credits are considered based on the details provided.
Tax instalments are periodic payments you may be required to make throughout the year if you have income not subject to sufficient tax withholding (such as self-employment, rental, or investment income). The CRA will notify you if instalments are required.
If you are required to pay instalments, payments are typically due quarterly (March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15).
Missing or underpaying instalments may result in interest charges and possible penalties.
You must file if you are a Canadian tax resident and, at any time in the year, the total cost of all your specified foreign property was more than 100,000 CAD.
This threshold is based on cost amount (what you paid, not market value), and it looks at the total across all foreign assets combined.
Examples:
Any investments holding foreign stock with cost of 120,000 CAD → T1135 required.
Two foreign accounts at 60,000 CAD each (total 120,000 CAD) → T1135 required.
Foreign real estate held for rental or investment purposes.
It depends.
Repairs (fixing something broken) are typically deductible immediately
Improvements (adding value or extending life) must be capitalized and deducted over time
You are required to register if your revenue exceeds $30,000 within 1 tax year
You may be responsible for the uncollected HST
It depends on your income level, cash flow needs, and long-term plans.
Incorporation can provide tax deferral opportunities, but also adds complexity and cost.
We can review your situation and provide guidance — this would be a separate advisory service.
If you have any questions or would like assistance, please contact our office. We’re here to help make tax season as straightforward as possible.