In Ontario, the tax filing deadline for most individuals is April 30 every year. For the 2024 tax year, the due date was April 30, 2025. If you missed that date, you’re not alone. Thousands of Canadians file their taxes late every year due to busy schedules, paperwork delays, or simply forgetting the deadline.
While it’s common, filing taxes after the deadline in Ontario can come with consequences. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charges penalties and interest if you owe money and haven’t filed or paid on time. On the other hand, if you’re due a refund, you won’t get it until you file. Plus, late filing can affect government benefits like the GST/HST credit or Canada Child Benefit.
Here’s a quick step-by-step for filing taxes late in Ontario, Canada:
- Gather your documents
- Check if you’re self-employed (you may still be on time)
- File your return online or at a tax office
- If you owe money, pay as much as you can
- Ask the CRA for a payment plan if needed
- Apply for relief if you have a valid reason for filing late
This guide will help you understand how to file late, what happens next, and how to avoid bigger problems later on.
Key Points You Need to Know
- The 2024 tax return deadline was April 30, 2025
- If you are self-employed, your filing deadline is June 15, 2025
- Any tax owing was still due by April 30, even for self-employed individuals
- Filing late can trigger CRA late filing penalties and daily interest
Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Missed the Tax Deadline in Ontario
Step 1: Don’t Panic
It happens. Missing the tax return deadline can be stressful, but you’re not out of options. What matters now is taking action.
Step 2: Check Your Status
If you are self-employed, you still have until June 15, 2025, to file your return.
However, if you owe taxes, your payment was still due on April 30, 2025. That means interest may already be adding up.
Step 3: Get Your Documents Ready
Before filing, gather everything you need:
Income slips (T4, T5, etc.)
Deduction receipts
Business records (if you’re self-employed)
Having these ready will make the filing process smoother.
Step 4: Choose How to File
Once your paperwork is in order, pick one of these options:
Visit a tax office near you, many stay open after the deadline
Upload your documents online and let a tax expert handle the return remotely
Use Accounting software to file the return yourself at home.
Step 5: File As Soon As Possible
Even if you’re late, it’s still worth filing now. Why?
It reduces the size of any penalties
It stops interest from growing
You may still be eligible for a tax refund after the deadline in Ontario
The sooner you file, the better your outcome will be.
What Happens When You File Your Taxes Late in Ontario?
If you file late and you owe taxes, the CRA charges a late-filing penalty. That’s 5% of the amount you owe, plus 1% more for each full month your return is late, up to 12 months.
Already filed late before? If the CRA issued a demand to file and you’ve missed other years, the penalty goes up. Now it’s 10% of what you owe, plus 2% per full month, up to 20 months.
That’s a big difference. Filing sooner helps limit those costs.
Tax Refund After The Deadline In Ontario
Good news: If the CRA owes you money, there’s no late tax penalty. But you won’t get your refund until you file. And if you rely on payments like the Canada Child Benefit or GST/HST credits, they could be delayed.
So even if you don’t owe, it’s important to file. A tax refund after the deadline in Ontario is still available, but only once your return is submitted.
What About Late Tax Payments in Ontario?
If you missed the payment deadline, the CRA charges compound daily interest on what you owe. This starts May 1, 2025, and keeps going until your balance is paid. This is true even if you’re waiting for the CRA to reassess your return.
So, late tax payment in Ontario means more interest the longer you wait. If you’re short on cash, consider setting up a payment plan. The CRA often works with people to arrange instalments.
Are There Exceptions or Extensions?
There are some exceptions to the Ontario tax deadline extension. For example, if April 30 falls on a weekend or holiday, the CRA considers your return on time if it arrives the next business day.
If you’re filing for someone who passed away, the due date may change. In that case, follow CRA guidelines for deceased persons.
You can also request the CRA to cancel or waive penalties or interest. But they only approve these in special cases, like illness or disaster. You’ll need to explain what happened and provide documents to support your claim.
Why Choose an Accountant for Your Tax Filing?
Filing taxes can be complex and time-consuming. Hiring a professional accountant can offer several advantages:
- Expertise: Accountants stay updated with the latest tax laws and can help you maximize deductions and credits.
- Time-Saving: They handle the paperwork and calculations, freeing up your time.
- Accuracy: Professionals reduce the risk of errors that could lead to audits or penalties.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing a qualified expert is handling your taxes can alleviate stress.
Why Choose Bestax Accountants?
When it comes to professional tax services, Bestax stands out for its comprehensive offerings and client-focused approach. Their services include:
- Corporate Tax Services: Assistance with corporate tax registration, return filing, and tailored consultancy.
- Accounting & Bookkeeping: Accurate record-keeping and financial reporting.
- Business Advisory: Strategic advice to help your business grow and remain compliant.
Quick FAQs
What happens if I file my taxes late in Ontario?
If you file your taxes late and owe money, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will charge a late-filing penalty. This penalty is 5% of your 2024 balance owing, plus an additional 1% for each full month that you file after the due date, up to a maximum of 12 months.
Can I still claim a tax refund after the deadline in Ontario?
Yes, you can still claim a tax refund after the deadline. The CRA allows individuals to file a return and claim a refund for up to 10 years after the original due date. However, it’s advisable to file as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving your refund and to ensure you remain eligible for certain benefits.
How to avoid penalties when filing taxes late in Ontario?
To avoid penalties:
File as soon as possible: Even if you can’t pay the full amount owed, filing promptly can reduce penalties.
Pay what you can: Partial payments can decrease the amount of interest and penalties accrued.
Apply for taxpayer relief: If circumstances beyond your control prevented timely filing, you can request the CRA to waive penalties and interest.
How much does it cost to file taxes late in Ontario?
The cost includes:
Late-filing penalty: 5% of your balance owing, plus 1% for each full month the return is late, up to 12 months.
Interest charges: Compound daily interest on unpaid amounts starting the day after the due date.
What is the penalty for filing taxes late in Ontario, Canada?
If you’ve been charged a late-filing penalty in any of the previous three years and received a formal demand to file, the penalty increases to 10% of your balance owing, plus 2% for each full month the return is late, up to 20 months.
Can I apply for an extension to file taxes after the deadline in Ontario?
The CRA does not offer extensions for filing personal income tax returns. However, if exceptional circumstances prevented you from filing on time, you can apply for taxpayer relief to have penalties and interest waived.
How can I file taxes online after the deadline in Ontario?
You can file your taxes online using the CRA’s NETFILE service, which remains open for electronic filing of prior years’ returns. Ensure you use NETFILE-certified tax software to submit your return securely.
Is it possible to get a tax refund if I missed the filing deadline in Ontario?
Yes, if you’re entitled to a refund, you can still receive it after filing late. However, delays in filing can postpone the receipt of your refund and may affect your eligibility for certain benefits until your return is processed.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
