Tax season starts on February 23!
CRA announced that Netfile start on Monday, February 23, 2026. It will be then that we will be able to file our 2025 income tax and benefit return online. Last tax-filing season, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) received more than 33 million tax returns and 93% were filed online.
CVITP, or the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, helps low-income taxpayers file their returns for free and connects them to benefit and credit payments that improve their financial well-being. Last year, Canadians received:
More than $56.1 billion in benefit payments
More than 19 million refunds, for an average amount of $2,000 (79% were issued by direct deposit)
Today’s session is to make sure you’re ready for the tax-filing season, so you can receive all the payments you’re eligible for.
If you are registered for a CRA account, it is always good to ensurie your personal information is accurate and that you can access your CRA account when you need it, you will save time during tax-filing season.
If you have forgotten your CRA account sign-in information or the answers to your security questions, you may be able to regain access by completing the online registration process again.
If you are not registered for a CTA account you can visit the CRA website and register or you can request help by calling CRA at 1 800 959 8281. For all who have a CRA account they can opt for direct deposit to their respective bank accounts to receive benefit payments faster and securely.
Key dates to remember this tax season.
February 23, 2026 – You can start filing your 2025 tax return online. Make sure you have all your tax slips ready.
April 30, 2026 – Deadline for most individuals to file their tax return.
June 15, 2026 – Deadline to file your tax return if you, or your spouse or common-law partner, are self-employed.
If you need tax-filing assistance, there are services and resources to help you:
Free tax clinics – You could get your taxes done by a volunteer at a free tax clinic. In 2025, 1.069 million returns were filed through free tax clinics. (CVITP)
SimpleFile services – If you have a lower income and a simple tax situation, you may be able to use SimpleFile services (digital or by phone) to file your taxes. This service is by invitation only. If you didn't receive an invitation, you may still be able to access SimpleFile Digital. Check out our new eligibility questionnaire. The SimpleFile services will open on March 9, 2026.
GenAI chatbot beta – The chatbot can now answer a wider range of questions, including more complex ones for businesses, such as eligibility for tax credits and compliance information.
Taxology podcast – Get the tax information you need by listening to the CRA’s podcast.
Below are key statistics related to Alberta taxpayers as of last year:
More than 3.2 million Alberta residents filed a 2024 tax return online, which was 96% of filers.
More than 110,700 Alberta residents were helped by free tax clinics through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. *CVITP)
Eligible Alberta residents received an average of (including any related provincial programs):
$8,678 in Canada child benefit (CCB) payments
$472 in goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit payments
Filing your tax returns regularly entitles you to some benefits that are applicable to your individual financial situation.
Below is a list of organizations in Calgary that participate in the CRA community volunteer income tax program (CVITP) that help eligible taxpayers in filing their taxes.
.. Click here for the list of CVITP participants in Calgary area