Canada's Tax Season Has Started & Trudeau Wants People Claiming Benefits To File ASAP

It's happening, Canada!💰🇨🇦
Managing Editor, Canada

On February 22, Justin Trudeau took to Twitter to confirm that tax season in Canada had officially kicked off.

Ahead of what’s expected to be an “incredibly complicated” period, he urged anybody currently claiming benefits to file their taxes as soon as possible.

Editor's Choice: This Is What Happens If Travellers Test Positive For COVID-19 At Canada's Borders

Tax season starts today! Justin Trudeau

“To make sure you and your family keep getting your benefits, like your Canada Child Benefit and your Climate Action Incentive, file your taxes as soon as you can,” the prime minister explained.

He also shared a link to the Government of Canada website, which includes information about how tax time could be different this year.

It includes details about claiming the government’s work from home tax deduction, as well as information about repaying COVID-19 benefits and related taxes.

For those who received COVID-19 benefits in 2020, tax time is expected to be especially complex.

A national tax expert chatted with Narcity about how these payments could impact Canadians’ taxes and he urged people who claimed benefits like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to be prepared to owe the government money.

Fortunately, the Canada Revenue Agency has ramped up its operations ahead of the season and has even hired private companies to provide additional support.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

13 updates from the new federal budget that you might actually care about

From tax cuts to Eurovision dreams, here's what Mark Carney's federal budget means for you. 👇

Ontario Trillium Benefit payments for November 2025 go out soon — Here's how much you can get

The CRA is sending these Ontario benefit payments next week! 💸

Canada Child Benefit payments for October go out soon and you could get over $1,200 per child

Your next CCB payment could come with a few extras — here's who's eligible. 👇

Canada just updated the Cuba travel advisory and even resorts could be affected

There is also new travel advice due to higher-than-expected cases of a disease.

Cineplex has $3.99 tickets in February and you can watch these movies for cheap

If you don't buy tickets a certain way, you'll have to pay more. 📽️