The Top 10 Questions Clients Ask at Tax Time
- Fran Kruse
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
It happens every year —"Are you taking on new clients?" is quickly followed by a wave of common tax questions.
Perhaps you're doubting a deduction, have lost your Notice of Assessment (NOA), or have been delaying your filing, and the deadline suddenly feels very real. If you're worried about missing something or feeling anxious about submitting correctly, you're not alone.
Whether you're filing for the first time or simply need a refresher, consider this article our no-stress guide for tax season, designed to answer your biggest questions and help you feel confident every step of the way.
Do I Need to File My Tax Return?
Wondering if you really need to file your taxes this year? Yes—you do!
Filing matters. It keeps you compliant, helps you claim any refunds you're owed, and ensures you can access the benefits you're eligible for.
If you live and work in Canada, you are required to file income taxes:
If the CRA has sent you a request to file
If you owe taxes or want to claim a refund
If you want to receive benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST Credit, and related provincial and territorial benefits, as well as the Guaranteed Income Supplement
Source: CRA Website
For more information on who should file a tax return, visit www.canada.ca and search "who should file a tax return". Click "get ready to file a tax return – personal income tax". For additional information on your particular circumstances, scroll down to "Canadian residents".
Do I Need to File If I Made Little or No Income?
Yes — you should still file a tax return.
Even if you made little or no income, filing your taxes can still help you:
Qualify for benefits and credits (like GST/HST credits)
Keep your information up to date with the CRA
Receive any monies or benefits you may be entitled to
When Are Tax Filings Actually Due?
For individuals, the filing and payment deadline to avoid interest and penalties for this tax season is April 30, 2026.
If you're self-employed as a sole proprietor, you have until June 15, 2026, to file your personal tax return; however, any taxes owed must be paid by April 30, 2026.
For more information on filing and payment deadlines, please see our March 30, 2026, article, What's New for the CRA 2026 Tax Filing Season.
What Happens If I'm Late Filing?
Missing deadlines can lead to penalties and compound interest charges—and it adds up faster than most people expect. Even a small balance can quickly grow into a much larger amount if left unpaid, putting unnecessary strain on your finances.
Filing and paying on time helps you avoid these extra costs and keeps your tax situation in good standing.
Late-filing penalty
5% of your 2025 balance owing, plus
1% of your 2025 balance owing for each full month late (up to 12 months)
Repeated late filing brings more penalties
10% of your 2025 balance owing, plus
2% of your 2025 balance owing for each full month late (up to 20 months) if you were penalized in 2022, 2023, or 2024 and received a demand to file
Source: CRA Website
For more information on penalties and interest charges on balances owing, visit www.canada.ca and search "late filing".
What Documents Do I Need to File My Taxes?
Here are some common documents you need to gather before contacting us to prepare your filing:
Personal information (social insurance number, birth date, current address, marital status)
Any income slips T4s, T4A, T5 (investment slips)
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution receipts
Medical receipts if not covered by a medical insurance plan or OHIP
By accessing your CRA My Account, you can view your NOA and any tax slips provided there. Please see our March 30, 2026, article, What's New for the CRA 2026 Tax Filing Season for more information on CRA My Account.
For additional information on tax slips, visit www.canada.ca and search "tax slips".
What Are Some Tax Credits Available to Ontarians?
One of the biggest reasons to file your taxes every year—even if your income is low—is access to credits and benefits. These can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars that you may be eligible for.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a combined monthly payment of three major credits to help with rent, property tax, and energy costs for eligible residents: The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, The Ontario Sales Tax Credit, and The Northern Ontario Energy Credit
The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (part of OTB) helps cover rent, property taxes and energy costs for renters, homeowners and seniors
The Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses Tax Credit (CARE) is a monthly tax-free payment for families with children under 18 to help with child care costs
The Low-Income Individuals and Families Tax Credit (LIFT) is a non-refundable tax credit for low-income workers to help reduce or eliminate the Ontario portion of their taxes
The Fertility Treatment Tax Credit (OFTTC) is a refundable provincial tax credit designed to help offset the cost of fertility treatments and surrogacy
Source: Government of Ontario Website
For additional information on tax credits, visit www.ontario.ca and search "tax credits and benefits".
How Can I Pay If I Owe Taxes?
If you owe money when your tax filing is completed, you have several easy options to pay the CRA. Choose the one that works best for you:
Online Banking—log in to your bank account and add CRA Revenue as a payee
CRA My Payment (Debit Card)—pay directly on the CRA website using Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard or Interac Online
Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD)—set up payments directly from your bank account through your CRA account
Pay in Person—at your bank or at a Canada Post outlet (using a QR code from the CRA)
Mail a Cheque—With potential Canada Post interruptions, this is a slower method to pay your taxes. Make sure you allow plenty of time for delivery
For additional information on how to pay your taxes, visit www.canada.ca and search "make a payment".
What If I Can't Afford to Pay My Taxes?
If you can't pay your tax balance right away, you're not alone—you have options.
The CRA offers a flexible payment plan through a pre-authorized debit, so you don't have to pay everything at once.
For more information on how to set up a payment plan, visit www.canada.ca and search "pre-authorized debit payment".
What Is NETFILE, and Can I Use It to File My Return?
NETFILE is the CRA's secure online system that lets individual taxpayers file their income tax returns electronically using CRA-certified software.
The NETFILE system is perfect for most Canadians with straightforward personal income (T4s, T5s, RRSPs, medical/dental expenses, etc.).
As professional tax preparers, we use EFILE, the CRA's electronic filing system, which is accessible only to certified tax professionals who meet the CRA's requirements.
For more information on NETFILE, various certified tax software and completing your tax return, visit www.canada.ca and search "netfile".
How to Check My Refund Status
Wondering when your tax refund will arrive? The CRA makes it easy to check your refund status and other documents (NOA, installment reminders, benefit & credit notices and real-time updates) through the CRA My Account.
If you don't have a CRA My Account, find more information on how to register and access help using My Account in our March 30, 2026, article What's New for the CRA 2026 Tax Filing Season.
You Don't Have to Navigate Tax Season Alone
Tax season can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to start or what to claim, but you don't have to figure it out on your own.
Most questions come back to the same basics—deadlines, deductions, and knowing where to find reliable answers.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff at Eagle Eye Bookkeeping and Tax Service Inc can answer all your questions, help you avoid costly mistakes, and file with confidence this tax season and beyond.
Reach out to us today.
4 Queen Street West
Elmvale, ON L0L 1P0
PH: 705-515-8483
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