Non-filer guide

Haven't filed taxes in years?You are not alone, and it is not too late to catch up.

Thousands of Canadians miss out on $1,000s in benefits every year simply because they have not filed taxes. The good news? It is never too late to start, and TaxEase helps you understand your options before you file.

Why you should still file your taxes

Get money back

Claim GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit, and other refunds you are entitled to. Many Canadians receive $1,000–$3,000+ annually.

Build RRSP room

Filing creates RRSP contribution room, allowing you to save for retirement with tax advantages.

Stay compliant

Avoid penalties and interest charges. Filing late is almost always better than not filing at all.

Benefits you might be missing

GST/HST Credit

Up to $496/year

Quarterly payments to help with the cost of GST/HST.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Up to $7,437/year per child

Tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18.

Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)

Up to $1,428/year

Refundable tax credit for low-income workers.

Climate Action Incentive

Up to $1,800/year

Quarterly payments to offset carbon pricing (varies by province).

Provincial credits

Varies by province

Additional credits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit or BC Climate Action Tax Credit.

Disability Tax Credit

Up to $1,538/year

For individuals with severe and prolonged impairments.

How to get started again

1

Estimate your potential benefits

Use our free Benefit Finder to see roughly how much you could receive if you catch up on filing.

2

Gather your documents

Collect T4s, slips, and notices you have. If something is missing, our guides explain how to retrieve it from CRA.

3

Decide how to file

Use free tax software, CRA SimpleFile, or an accountant. Many people can file several years at once.

4

Start receiving benefits again

Once your returns are processed, benefits and credits usually start flowing within a few weeks. Back payments can be substantial.

SimpleFile: the easiest way to file

If you have a simple situation, CRA's SimpleFile service makes filing incredibly easy. It usually takes 5–10 minutes and can be done by phone, online, or by mail.

SimpleFile by phone

Call the automated service and answer simple questions. No forms to fill out.

5–10 minutes

SimpleFile digital

File online through CRA My Account. Quick, secure, and convenient.

5–10 minutes

SimpleFile by paper

Fill out a simple form and mail it in. A good fit if you prefer paper.

10–15 minutes

What you need for SimpleFile

Income sources (if you have them)

  • - Old Age Security (T4A(OAS))
  • - CPP or QPP benefits (T4A(P))
  • - Employment Insurance (T4E)
  • - Employment income (T4)
  • - Workers' compensation (T5007)
  • - Social assistance (T5007)
  • - Interest income (T5)

That is it

If you only have these simple income sources and no complex deductions, you are likely eligible for SimpleFile.

TaxEase advantage

Our AI assistant and guides can help you understand each line item so you feel confident before you hit submit, even if you use SimpleFile.

Ready to see what you are missing?

Our free Benefit Finder takes less than two minutes and shows you how much you could receive if you file again.

You do not need to commit to filing or enter any CRA account details first. Just answer a few simple questions to see an estimate of the benefits you might be leaving unclaimed.

Calculate your benefits now