Missed the Tax Deadline? Here’s What to Do Next

Life gets busy, and sometimes tax deadlines sneak up on us. If you missed the April 30, 2025 personal tax filing deadline in Canada, don’t panic—you’re not alone, and you still have options. Here’s what to do next, what penalties you might face, and how to get back on track.

1. File Your Taxes as Soon as Possible

The most important step you can take after missing the deadline is to file your return as soon as you can. Even if you can't pay your full balance owing right away, filing quickly can reduce penalties and interest.

The longer you wait, the more it can cost you. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charges a late-filing penalty of 5% of your 2024 balance owing, plus 1% for each month your return is late (up to 12 months).

Example: If you owe $2,000 and file three months late, your penalty would be:

• 5% of $2,000 = $100

• 3% of $2,000 (1% per month x 3) = $60

• Total penalty = $160, plus interest on the amount owed

Tip: If you're owed a refund and you file late, there are no penalties. But you won’t receive your refund or tax benefits (like GST/HST credits or child benefits) until you file.

2. Don’t Ignore Your Balance Owing

If you owe taxes but can’t afford to pay the full amount, don’t avoid the CRA. Interest will continue to accumulate daily on your unpaid balance, and the longer it sits, the more expensive it becomes.

Instead, file your return and explore payment options. The CRA offers a payment arrangement program, which lets you pay your debt over time in smaller, more manageable amounts.

Tip: You can apply for a payment arrangement online through your CRA My Account or by calling the CRA directly.

3. Watch for CRA Notices

After the deadline, you may receive a Notice of Assessment or follow-up letters from the CRA. Don’t ignore these—they’ll often include important information about what you owe, any penalties, or required next steps.

If you're unsure how to respond or need help understanding what the CRA is asking for, reach out to an accountant or tax professional who can guide you through the process.

4. Avoid Repeated Late Filing

If you’ve filed late before, penalties can increase. The CRA may charge a repeated failure to file penalty—which is 10% of the balance owing, plus 2% per month (up to 20 months).

Pro tip: If you’ve missed the deadline more than once in recent years, it’s even more important to act quickly and get ahead of future filings.

5. Work With a Pro to Get Back on Track

If you're overwhelmed, unsure what to do, or have multiple years of unfiled taxes, you don’t have to tackle it alone. A tax professional can help you:

• File back taxes

• Minimize penalties

• Set up a payment plan

• Stay on top of future deadlines

It’s Not Too Late—Take Action Now

Missing the tax deadline isn’t the end of the world, but ignoring it can make things worse. Filing as soon as possible and making a plan to pay can help you avoid mounting penalties and get back in good standing with the CRA.

Need help catching up on your taxes? Get in touch with us—we’ll walk you through the process and help you move forward with confidence.