Start 2026 Right: Deadline Reminders to Prevent Tax Surprises

The start of a new year is one of the few moments when a small amount of planning can meaningfully change how the rest of the year unfolds. Contribution limits reset, payroll thresholds change, and tax rules continue to evolve (often quietly).

Below are a few deadlines worth noting down early in the year to help keep your tax and financial plans on track, and avoid any surprises come filing time.

Key personal tax dates for 2026

Here are some important dates to have on your radar as 2026 gets underway:

• Deadline for 2025 RRSP contributions: March 2, 2026.
• Deadline for T4/T4A/T5 slips issued by payers: March 2, 2026.
• 2025 personal tax return filing deadline: April 30, 2026.
• Self-employed (and spouse/partner): File by June 15, 2026 (any tax balance is still due April 30).

Instalments: Why March may be later than you think

Quarterly instalments are typically due March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, CRA treats payment on the next business day as on time—so in 2026 the first instalment falls on Monday, March 16.

Registered plans: What counts and when

With registered plans, understanding when room is created, restored, or deductible can help avoid missed opportunities or unintended overcontributions:

• RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan): Contributions made in the first 60 days of 2026 can be deducted against 2025 (or carried forward and claimed later). 
• FHSA (First Home Savings Account): Contribution limits are based on the calendar year. You may contribute up to $8,000 per year, with a lifetime deductible maximum of $40,000. Any unused annual contribution limit (up to $8,000) can be carried forward after the year you open your first FHSA.
• TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account):
  • The 2026 annual TFSA limit is $7,000 (new room is added January 1, 2026).
  • Withdrawals and recontribution: Withdrawals are tax-free; the withdrawn amount is added back to your room on January 1 of the following year (not immediately).
  • Cumulative room: For someone eligible (born in 1991 or earlier, lived in Canada as a tax resident, had a valid SIN) since 2009 who has never contributed, total TFSA room in 2026 is $109,000.

Trusts and information reporting

Trust reporting requirements continue to evolve, and it can be difficult to keep track of what applies and when. Take note of these upcoming trust filing and reporting obligations to avoid unnecessary compliance issues:

• T3 returns: Due 90 days after the trust’s tax year-end (for calendar year trusts, this is March 31, 2026).
• Bare trusts: The CRA has indicated it does not expect bare trusts to file a T3/Schedule 15 for taxation years ending in 2025. Certain bare trusts will be required to file for years ending on or after December 31, 2026, pending enactment of legislation.

Looking ahead: How we can help

If you’re expecting a major transaction, compensation change, capital purchase, or investment decision in 2026, a short planning conversation early in the year can help prevent costly surprises later.

DMCL’s advisors integrate corporate, personal, and payroll considerations—so your decisions are timed, documented, and align with your goals. Contact your DMCL advisor soon to ensure your year gets off on the right foot.