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2026 Tax Season Checklist (Before Feb 23 NETFILE Opens)
Vignesh Sathyamoorthi
February 5, 2026
Tax Services

2026 Tax Season Checklist: What to Do Before You File on Feb 23 (2025 Return)

Tax season is here — and in 2026, Canadians can start filing their 2025 income tax and benefit return online from February 23, 2026.
This guide gives you a simple, practical checklist to help you file accurately, avoid delays, and claim all eligible credits and deductions. If you want us to handle everything end-to-end, you can book support through our Personal Tax Filing Services page or reach out via our Contact page.
Why this week matters (and why many Canadians file too early)
Filing early can be smart — but filing too early can backfire if you’re missing slips, receipts, or important information. That’s how people end up with amendments, CRA review letters, or delayed refunds. The goal is simple: have your documents ready now so you can file confidently once NETFILE opens on Feb 23, 2026.
✅ Best approach: Build your checklist now → verify your CRA account → gather slips → file once everything is complete.
Step 1: Confirm your CRA account access (do this first)
Before NETFILE opens, make sure you can access your CRA account and that your information is up to date. This alone prevents many “last-minute tax season surprises.”
Check you can log in (avoid getting locked out during peak days)

  • Confirm your direct deposit details (important for faster refunds)

  • Confirm your address and contact info is current

  • Review prior-year Notice of Assessment and carry-forward amounts (RRSP, tuition, etc.)
If you don’t want to deal with CRA account updates and paperwork chasing, we can guide you through it as part of our Personal Tax Filing Services.
Step 2: Gather your tax slips (the core of your 2025 return)
Most personal tax returns start with slips. Even if your tax situation is simple, missing a slip can lead to amendments or CRA matching issues. Here’s what to watch for.
T4 (employment income)

  • T4A (pensions, scholarships, commissions, or other types of income)

  • T5 (investment income such as interest/dividends)

  • RRSP contribution receipts (very important for deductions)

  • T2202 (tuition and education amounts for students)

  • Support / benefit statements (where applicable)
If you’re an employer and need help with T4 preparation and payroll reporting, our team can assist through our T4 Filing Services.
Step 3: Prepare your deductions & credits checklist (this is where refunds grow)
Many Canadians focus only on income slips — but deductions and credits are often what make the biggest difference in your refund or balance owing. Here’s a practical checklist to gather before you file.
Medical expenses (keep receipts and totals)

  • Child care expenses (receipts, provider details)

  • Charitable donations (official donation receipts)

  • Moving expenses (if eligible)

  • RRSP contributions (confirm receipts and dates)

  • Tuition amounts (T2202, carry-forwards)
At S & V TAX, we review the documents you email us, identify what may be missing, and help you claim all eligible deductions and credits — while staying CRA-compliant. Learn more on our Personal Tax Filing Services page.
Step 4: Self-employed or side income? Do this before you file
If you earned self-employment income, gig income, or freelance income in 2025, the most important thing is organization. The CRA expects accurate business income reporting and reasonable support for expenses.
List your income sources (invoices, deposits, e-transfers, sales reports)

  • Summarize expenses by category (advertising, supplies, software, phone, vehicle, etc.)

  • Keep receipts in a single folder (digital is fine)

  • If you charge GST/HST, prepare your return totals (sales, ITCs, amounts collected)
If you’re registered for GST/HST (or you’re not sure if you should be), our team can help with registration and filing through our GST/HST Filing Services.
Step 5: If you own a corporation, start your year-end prep early
Corporate tax preparation often takes longer than personal tax filing because it involves year-end financials, proper classification of expenses, and planning. 
If you’re paying yourself through payroll, ensure your payroll and slips are organized early. For employers, the T4 Filing Services page explains how we help with payroll reporting and slip filing support.
Step 6: Avoid common tax filing mistakes (that trigger delays)
Here are the most common mistakes we see that delay refunds or create CRA follow-ups — and how to avoid them.
Missing slips — wait until you have everything and confirm totals

  • Incorrect direct deposit — always verify your CRA account settings

  • Unorganized self-employment expenses — categorize and total them before filing

  • Forgetting carry-forwards — tuition, RRSP room, prior-year credits

  • Not responding to CRA requests — delays happen when letters are ignored


💡 Tip: If the CRA asks for documents later, keep a clean folder now so it’s easy to respond quickly.
When should you file after Feb 23, 2026?
Once NETFILE opens, you can file as soon as you’re ready — but here’s a simple decision guide:
File early if you have all slips and your return is straightforward (especially if you expect a refund)

  • Wait a little if you’re missing slips, have investment income, or you’re unsure about deductible expenses

  • Get professional support if you’re self-employed, have complex deductions, or want to minimize liabilities safely
How S & V TAX can help (personal, payroll, and GST/HST)
Whether you’re filing a simple T1 return or managing multiple slips and business income, our goal is to make tax filing easy and accurate. Here’s how we help clients across Canada:
Personal tax filing with optimized deductions and CRA-compliant reporting — view our personal tax services
Final checklist: Your 10-minute prep plan before Feb 23
Log in to your CRA account and confirm direct deposit

  1. Create one folder for all 2025 tax slips

  2. List your deductions and collect receipts (medical, donations, child care, etc.)

  3. If self-employed, summarize income/expenses and organize receipts

  4. If you need help, contact S & V TAX early so you’re ready to file once NETFILE opens
Get started with S & V TAX
📞 Have questions or want us to handle your filing?
Visit our Personal Tax Filing Services page or Contact us for a personalized quote. We serve clients remotely and in-person by appointment, and we support Canadians across the country.
🚀 Be ready now — and file confidently when NETFILE opens on February 23, 2026.
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