Your Guide to Tax Season: How to File, Maximize Benefits, and Reduce Stress
Just like navigating a dense forest, tackling taxes is easier with the right tools. At Money Path Atlantic, we help Canadians confidently take charge of their finances — one step at a time.
Tax season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re filing for the first time or looking for ways to maximize your return, this guide will walk you through why filing taxes matters, how to file easily, and what benefits you might be missing out on.
Why Filing Taxes Matters
Many Canadians don’t realize that filing taxes isn’t just about owing money — it’s about unlocking benefits. Even if you have little or no income, filing a return can give you access to valuable government programs and credits, including:
GST/HST Credit – Up to $1,400 annually for individuals and families with low incomes
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Up to $7,800 per child, per year
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – Monthly financial support for seniors
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) – Up to $2,600 annually for low-income workers
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) & Related Benefits – Reduces taxes owed and unlocks the RDSP, CWB Disability Supplement, and the upcoming Canada Disability Benefit (2025)
By filing your taxes on time, you ensure you’re receiving all the benefits you qualify for without delays.
How to File Your Taxes in Canada
Filing taxes doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps:
1. Get Set Up Online with the CRA
Before you file, set up or access your CRA My Account at Canada Revenue Agency. This secure online portal lets you:
View and update personal info
Track your refund
View past tax returns, if you have filed before
Access benefit and credit information
2. Gather Your Tax Documents
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything you need:
Personal Information – SIN, bank info for direct deposit
Income Slips – T4 (employment), T5 (investments), T4A (pensions, scholarships)
Expense Receipts – Medical, tuition, charitable donations, child care
RRSP Contributions – Helps lower taxable income
Last Year’s Notice of Assessment – To check carry-forward amounts, if you have previously flied
3. Choose How You Want to File
You can file your taxes in different ways:
Online – You can use CRA’s approved NETFILE and ReFILE software. They also have a list of other free tax filing software.
With Help – Visit a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) clinic near you for free filing help. This free program has a few eligibility requirements, like being a modest income earner and not being self-employed, and you can review your eligibility here.
By Paper – Download tax forms from the CRA website and mail them in.
4. Submit Your Taxes Before the Deadline
Tax deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (June 15 for self-employed, but any taxes owed are still due April 30).
Filing early helps avoid penalties and ensures benefits continue without delay.
Avoiding Common Tax Mistakes
Mistake #1: Not filing because you have no income – You may miss out on benefits like GST/HST credits or the Canada Child Benefit.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to report all income – T4 slips from all jobs must be reported. The CRA also requires self-employment or gig work income to be declared.
Mistake #3: Not claiming all deductions – Many people overlook medical expenses, student tuition credits, or home office deductions.
Mistake #4: Filing late – If you owe money, a 5% penalty applies immediately, plus 1% more per month.
How to Find Benefits You May Be Missing
Did you know billions of dollars in benefits go unclaimed every year?
Use Prosper Canada’s Benefits Wayfinder to see what federal and provincial benefits you qualify for: Benefits Wayfinder
Simply enter your details, and the tool will show all the benefits and credits available to you based on your income and situation.
Conclusion: File with Confidence
Filing taxes doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying organized, filing early, and taking advantage of available resources, you can maximize your refund and access valuable benefits.
For free tax filing assistance, book an appointment at one of our hubs:
Halifax | MetroWorks at 902-329-2982
Kentville | Valley Community Learning Association at 782-583-1319
Inverness/Sydney | Mill Road Social Enterprises at 902-817-8032
Want more resources? Visit Money Path Atlantic’s resource page for tools and financial literacy resources here. Happy filing!
Tax Terms You Might Want to Know
Refund – Money the government gives back if you’ve overpaid taxes
Taxable Income – The total amount you earned that you must pay taxes on
T4 Slip – A form from your employer showing how much you earned and how much tax was deducted
RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) – Helps reduce taxable income while saving for retirement
Medical Expense Tax Credit – A credit for out-of-pocket medical costs
For a full list of forms and their purposes, visit: CRA Tax Forms
Teaching Aids for Facilitators & Parents
Looking to teach others about taxes? Here are some useful activities:
Activity: Tax Filing Checklist – Have participants check off items needed to file their taxes
Activity: Common Tax Forms Guide – Provide a simple one-page reference on T4, T5, or other common forms used within your groups and go over them together. Maybe you can even put the form names in a hat and participants can pull one out one by one!
Game: What’s Taxable? – Provide a list of income sources and have learners determine if they’re taxable or non-taxable
Discussion: The Benefits of Filing – Talk about real-life examples of how benefits like the CCB and GST/HST credit help families (if the participants are up for it, you can also look at investment options for saving some of these funds)
Print Resource: CRA's list of Common Tax Slips - This is an inclusive list of CRA’s tax forms and slips. Click through the links to find the drop down that will show you the images and print outs of each! Example of where to find the T4RSP Statement of RRSP income slip image.
Print Resource: Prosper's Tax Filing Checklist - This print-out can help you plan your tax filing, and help you know if you will get a refund or benefits
Online Tool: Benefits Wayfinder - We know we already talked about it but you can always sit down with participants and see if there are any extra benefits they are eligible for
