Skip to main content

Featured

What to Do with Your Tax Refund: 5 Smart Moves for Canadians

  Tax Season · Personal Finance By MoneySavings.ca Editorial Team • May 7, 2026 • 7 min read Tax season is wrapping up across Canada, and for millions of Canadians, that means a refund cheque — or a direct deposit — is on its way. The average Canadian tax refund hovers around $1,800. That's real money. The question is: what's the smartest thing you can do with it? It's tempting to treat a tax refund like "found money" and splurge. But here's the truth — that refund was your money all along. The government was just holding it for you, interest-free. So before it quietly disappears into day-to-day spending, let's look at five moves that will make it work harder for you. $1,800 The average Canadian tax refund — enough to make a meaningful dent in debt, pad an emergency fund, or kick-start your TFSA for the year. 1 Pay Down High-Interest Debt First If you're carrying a balance on a credit card, this should be your very first call. Most Canadian credit car...

article

Important Items for Canadian Taxpayers to Consider Before Filing Their 2023 Tax Return

 

Here are some important items that Canadian taxpayers should consider before filing their 2023 tax return:

  1. Filing and payment deadlines: The deadline for most Canadians to file their 2023 tax return is April 30, 2023. If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you have until June 15, 2023, to file on time. If you have a balance owing, your payment is due on April 30, 2023. Filing your return before the respective deadline will allow you to avoid interruptions to any benefit or credit payments you may be entitled to.

  2. Register for direct deposit and file online: You can register for direct deposit and file online to get any refund you may be eligible for faster. To file online, the CRA has a list of certified tax software products that are easy to use, fast, and secure, some of which are free! When you file using NETFILE-certified software, you may be able to use: Auto-fill my return and Express NOA. 

  3. Get free tax help: If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, volunteers at a free tax clinic may be able to do your taxes for you.

  4. New tax changes: There are several new tax changes that Canadian taxpayers should be aware of when filing their 2023 tax return. Some of the most important changes include an increase in unpaid tax penalty, expiration of COVID-19 benefits, introduction of a new grocery rebate, and changes to Disability Tax Credit.


Comments