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5 Things Every Canadian Should Know About Their Money Today

Published: April 26, 2026 · moneysavings.ca/canadian-money-brief The week is shaping up to be a busy one for Canadian wallets. From a federal budget update to record household debt, here are the five things you need to know today. 1. The Spring Economic Update Lands Monday Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to table the Spring Economic Update 2026 on April 28 — just two days away. The government has promised to outline its plan to build "the strongest economy in the G7," with further actions to drive prosperity and support Canadians. Whether that means tax relief, new spending, or trade-war cushions, Canadians should pay close attention: what gets announced Monday could directly affect your tax bill, your mortgage rate outlook, and government benefit amounts. What to watch for: any changes to the GST/HST credit, housing incentives, or tariff-offset support for workers. 2. Your Household Debt Is Still Climbing Statistics Canada's latest data pa...

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Taxes 2024: Seven Best Tips for Last-Minute Filers as the Tax Deadline Approaches

 


With the April 30 deadline swiftly approaching, time is running out for most Canadians to file their 2023 income tax returns. But fear not, procrastinators! It’s not too late to get started. I’ve gathered some essential tips to help you navigate this last-minute scramble:

  1. Understand the Consequences of Filing Late:

    • For employees, the deadline is April 30, while self-employed individuals have until June 17 (since June 15 falls on a Saturday).
    • Regardless of your employment status, ensure that any outstanding balance is paid by April 30. Failure to do so results in daily compounded interest at an annualized rate of 10%.
    • Late-filing penalties are even steeper for repeat offenders. If you owe money to the government, it’s crucial to act promptly.
  2. Claim All Deductions:

    • Common mistakes arise from “mistakes of omission.” People often forget to claim eligible deductions.
    • Use your previous year’s tax return as a reference to ensure you haven’t missed any potential deductions.
    • If you’re unsure about a specific line number, visit the CRA website for explanations.
  3. Use a Checklist:

    • Anxiety about being late can be overwhelming. Ease your mind by using a checklist.
    • TurboTax Canada provides a 2023 tax checklist to ensure you have all necessary documents.
    • Remember, late returns may delay payments for credits and benefits like the GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit.
  4. Pay Attention to Deadlines:

    • April 30, 2024: The deadline for most Canadians to file their tax return. Pay any outstanding balance by this date to avoid penalties and interest.
    • June 15, 2024: Self-employed individuals have until this date to file. Don’t procrastinate!

Remember, if you’re due for a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late. However, the longer you wait, the longer your refund remains in the government’s hands. So, take that money and put it to good use! 

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