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Canada's New Grocery Benefit Starts July 3 — How Much Will You Get?

  If you've been receiving the GST/HST credit, something is changing on July 3, 2026 — and it's actually good news. The federal government is replacing the old credit with a new program called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and it comes with payments that are 25% larger. More than 12 million Canadians qualify. No application is required. Here's everything you need to know before the first payment lands. What Is the CGEB? The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the federal government's replacement for the GST/HST credit, which has been around since 1991. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the new benefit on January 26, 2026, and it received Royal Assent on February 12 under Bill C-19. The legislation commits $11.7 billion in additional support to Canadians over six years — $3.1 billion immediately through the one-time June top-up, and $8.6 billion over five years through higher quarterly payments. The name change is deliberate — it signal...

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What Happens If You Don’t File Your Taxes in Canada?

 

As the April 30 tax deadline approaches, it’s crucial to understand the consequences of not filing your tax return in Canada. Whether you owe money or not, failing to meet the deadline can lead to serious repercussions. Let’s dive into what you need to know:

  1. Late Filing Penalty:

    • If you owe taxes and miss the filing deadline, the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) imposes a late filing penalty. This penalty is calculated as follows:
      • Five percent of your 2023 balance owing.
      • Additional one percent for each full month you file after the due date, up to a maximum of 12 months.
    • In total, you could end up paying 17 percent of any balance you owe.
  2. Interest Charges:

    • The CRA charges compound daily interest on any balance owing for 2023 that you’re unable to pay by the April 30 deadline.
    • The interest rate is approximately 10 percent, and it accumulates daily starting from May 1, 2024.
  3. Severe Actions for Consistent Late Filers:

    • If you consistently file late or ignore repeated requests, the CRA can take more severe actions:
      • Garnishing wages.
      • Freezing bank accounts.
      • Placing liens on properties.
      • In extreme cases, tax evasion or fraud charges, which may lead to jail time.
  4. Benefits at Risk:

    • Even if you don’t owe money, timely filing is essential to maintain benefits such as:
      • Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
      • Provincial and territorial payments.
    • Failure to file could result in losing these benefits.

Remember, meeting the tax deadline is crucial to avoid penalties, interest, and potential legal consequences. Whether you owe money or not, file your taxes on time to stay on the right side of the CRA! 

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