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Tax Questions

Search plain-language answers about filing your T 1, slips, credits, CRA letters and how Northleaf works.

Before you file

Who can use Northleaf Books?

We prepare personal T 1 returns for people across Canada, except Quebec. That includes students, employees, seniors, investors, self-employed people and anyone catching up on missed years.

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When is the tax filing deadline?

For most people it is April 30. If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, the filing deadline is June 15, but any balance you owe is still due April 30. Filing on time also keeps your benefit payments flowing.

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Should I type my details or just upload documents?

Both work. Typing it into our secure form takes about 15 minutes and costs the regular rate. Uploading your ID and slips takes about 2 minutes and we fill it in for you, for $10 more.

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Slips

What documents do I need?

Common ones are your T4 and T4A slips, T5 and T3 investment slips, RRSP receipts, tuition slips (T2202), medical, donation and childcare receipts, and rent or property tax amounts for the Ontario Trillium Benefit. Upload whatever applies to you.

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I'm missing a slip. What should I do?

Many slips are also available in your CRA account. If you don't have a CRA account, we can help you set one up for $25. You can also send what you have and we will tell you what is still missing.

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Can I send photos of my slips?

Yes. Clear phone photos or PDFs are fine. Our upload form takes up to 5 files per item, up to 20 MB each.

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Credits

I'm a student. What can I claim?

Students often claim tuition (T2202) and moving expenses for school, and Ontario students may get the Ontario Trillium Benefit. Filing also gets your benefits started. Our student rate is $40 with a valid college or university ID.

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I'm a senior. What should I know?

We handle pension, OAS and CPP income, pension splitting, and medical and age credits. Our senior rate (65+) is $50 with government-issued ID.

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Should I file even if I earned little or nothing?

Usually yes. Benefits like the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit) and the Canada Child Benefit are based on your return. If you don't file, you may miss payments.

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After you file

Will I get a copy of my return?

Yes. After we e-file with the CRA, we send you a copy of your return for your records.

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What is a notice of assessment?

It is the CRA's summary of your return after they process it, showing your refund or balance owing. Keep it, since it is handy next year and for things like loan applications.

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What if something was missed after I filed?

A filed return can usually be changed. Email us what was missed and we will tell you the next steps.

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CRA letters

I got a letter from the CRA. What now?

Don't ignore it. Note the reply-by date, then email us to ask for help. Our CRA letter or review help is $50 per letter. Please don't send the letter through the question form below. We'll tell you how to send it securely.

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How do I know a CRA message is real?

Be careful with texts, emails or calls that demand urgent payment, gift cards or crypto, or ask for your SIN. When in doubt, sign in to your CRA account yourself (not through a link in the message) and check there.

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Pricing & our process

How much does a T 1 return cost?

Students $40, seniors $50 and adults $55 (CAD) when you type your details in. If you just upload your documents and we fill it in, add $10: $50, $60 and $65. Student and senior rates need ID, which we verify before filing.

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When do I pay?

Not until after we review your return. You submit your info free, a bookkeeper reviews it and verifies your rate, then we email you a payment link. After you pay and sign the T183 authorization, we e-file with the CRA.

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Is my information secure?

Your data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and SINs are collected only on a separate encrypted form. We never sell your information. See our Security page for details.

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Ask a question

Can't find your answer? Send us a general question and we'll reply by email, usually within a business day or two.

Don't send your SIN, account numbers or documents here. To send documents, use our secure upload when you start your return.

This opens your email app with your question addressed to [email protected]. Just press send. No email app? Copy your question and email us directly.

Please note: Northleaf Books is an independent tax preparation service. We are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Canada Revenue Agency or the Government of Canada. News summaries are written by Northleaf in our own words. Always check the linked CRA page for official information. Everything on this page is general information only, not tax, legal or financial advice, and may change. Your situation may be different. For help with your own return, contact us.