10% of Canadians don't file taxes. They're losing thousands.
Filing your income tax return is free. It takes less than an hour. And it's the single biggest thing you can do to put more money in your pocket — even if you have zero income.
Here's what you lose when you don't file:
Scroll down to see the damage add up.
Benefits you could be missing
$0
per year
GST/HST Credit
Quarterly payments to offset sales tax
+$519
/year
Canada Carbon Rebate
Quarterly climate action payments
+$1,544
/year
Canada Workers Benefit
Refundable credit for low-income workers
+$1,518
/year
Canada Child Benefit
Per child under 6 — tax-free monthly
+$7,787
/year
Canada Learning Bond
Free education money — no contributions needed
+$2,000
/year
Ontario Trillium Benefit
Energy, property tax, and sales tax credits
+$1,421
/year
Ontario Child Benefit
Provincial supplement for families
+$1,584
/year
GIS for Seniors
Monthly supplement for low-income seniors
+$12,786
/year
Disability Tax Credit
Tax relief for people with disabilities
+$9,428
/year
“But I don't need to file because...”
“I didn't earn any money this year.”
You should still file. The GST/HST credit, Carbon Rebate, and many other benefits are available even with $0 income. Filing is how the government knows you need help.
“I owe money and I'm scared to file.”
Filing and owing are two different things. You can file and set up a payment plan — but if you don't file, you lose access to benefits that could be worth way more than what you owe.
“I don't know how to file.”
Free tax clinics (CVITP) exist in every province. Trained volunteers will do your taxes for free. No judgment, no cost.
“The government already has my info.”
The CRA knows your income from T4 slips, but they can't pay you benefits unless you file a return. It's the trigger that starts the payments.
“It's too late — I missed the deadline.”
You can file late. You can even file for previous years (up to 10 years back). Late filing may mean penalties on amounts owed, but for most benefit-eligible people, there's nothing to owe — only money to receive.