Canada Revenue Agency reminded taxpayers that a missed filing deadline does not mean they should wait longer to file a 2024 income-tax and benefit return.
The agency said filing remains important after the deadline because returns determine refunds, benefit payments, and credit eligibility.
By the time of the May 8 reminder, more than 27.8 million 2024 returns had been filed. CRA said more than 26.5 million individuals had filed online.
The refund numbers were large. CRA said it had issued more than 13.9 million refunds for a total of more than $30.8 billion, with an average refund of $2,202.
Benefit payments were another reason to file. CRA said it delivered more than $52 billion in benefit payments in the prior year because individuals filed tax returns.
The tax season also produced heavy service demand. CRA said its contact centres had received more than 7 million calls during the season.
The reminder matters most for people who expect a refund or benefit payments, but it also matters for people who owe tax. Filing late can create penalties and interest, while not filing can delay credits or cause CRA to assess based on incomplete information.
A late return is still better than no return. The filing system uses the return not only to collect tax, but also to update household income for benefits and credits.