In Quebec you file two personal tax returns each year: the federal T1 with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Quebec TP-1 with Revenu Québec. Here are the dates that matter and a checklist to get through tax season without stress.
The deadlines
- April 30: deadline to file your T1 and TP-1 for most people, and to pay any balance owing.
- June 15: filing deadline if you or your spouse were self-employed. Any balance owing is still due on April 30, and interest runs from that date.
- 60 days after December 31: last day to contribute to an RRSP and deduct it for the previous year.
- End of February: employers and financial institutions issue most slips (T4, RL-1, T5, RL-3).
When a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Your checklist
- Employment slips: T4 and RL-1.
- Investment slips: T5, RL-3, T3, RL-16, and your brokerage statements for any sales.
- RRSP and FHSA contribution receipts.
- Pension and benefit slips: T4A, RL-2, T4E (employment insurance), RL-6 (QPIP).
- Tuition slips (T2202 and RL-8), childcare receipts, medical expenses and donation receipts.
- If you rent: your RL-31 slip, which Quebec landlords issue to tenants.
- Last year's notices of assessment from the CRA and Revenu Québec.
If you are self-employed
You report your business income and expenses on your personal returns. Keep every receipt, track the business use of your car and home, and set money aside through the year: there is no employer withholding tax for you. If you owe a significant amount, the CRA and Revenu Québec may ask you to pay tax instalments the following year. Our guide to what businesses must file covers incorporated businesses.
Why filing on time matters, even if you can't pay
- The federal late-filing penalty is 5% of the balance owing, plus 1% per full month late, up to 12 months. Revenu Québec charges its own penalties too.
- Benefits and credits, such as the GST/HST credit, the Canada child benefit and Quebec's solidarity tax credit, depend on filing your returns.
- If you can't pay in full, file on time anyway and contact the tax authorities about a payment arrangement.
Keep your records
Keep your returns, slips and receipts for at least six years: the CRA and Revenu Québec can ask for them.
Get it done at a fixed price
We prepare personal tax returns at a fixed price set after a short look at your situation, in English or French, online or at our Laval office. Have a specific question first? Book a one-hour tax consultation ($125), or ask for a fixed quote.