TAX TIPS & GUIDES · PERSONAL TAX
What Documents Do You Need to File Your Taxes in Canada?
Published October 13, 2026 · General Canadian tax guidance
Start with your income slips, receipts for potential deductions and credits, and details of any changes to your family or residency. Your exact document list depends on your circumstances; a T4 alone may not tell the whole story.
Our personal tax return service can help identify the records needed before preparation begins.
Build one folder for each tax year
Use clearly named subfolders for income, receipts and CRA correspondence. Keep spouses’ records identifiable and separate documents for different years. A short note explaining an unusual payment can prevent unnecessary follow-up.
Your starting checklist
- Personal details: legal name, current address, date of birth, tax identification details, marital status and relevant changes during the year. Provide sensitive information only through the agreed secure process.
- Family and residency: spouse or partner information, dependants’ details, and dates of any arrival in or departure from Canada.
- Income: T4 employment slips, T4A slips, pension and benefit slips, investment slips, and records of income that did not come with a slip.
- Potential claims: RRSP contribution receipts, tuition documents, charitable donation receipts, medical expense records and childcare receipts, where relevant.
- Prior-year information: your last return, notice of assessment or reassessment, and any recent CRA letters.
- Other activities: business records, rental statements or investment sale records if they apply.
Collecting a receipt does not mean it automatically qualifies for a claim. Eligibility, who can claim it and which year it belongs to still need to be checked.
What if a slip is missing?
Contact the issuer and check your CRA account. The CRA can only display information it has received. Tell your preparer what is missing instead of assuming that an empty account means there was no income.
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch for duplicate slips, an amended slip mixed with the original, receipts from the wrong year, and unreported side income. Tell your preparer about changes before the return is finalized.
How long should I keep the records?
Keep supporting tax documents for at least six years. Some records need to be kept longer, including those connected with an unresolved review or the future sale of property.
Ready to get organized?
We offer personal tax preparation in London, Ontario and online across Canada. We will confirm your documents, scope and fee before work begins. Already collecting your papers? Our existing tax preparation checklist is a quick companion to this guide.
Related guides
- How Much of Your Salary Do You Take Home in Ontario? 2025 Guide
- Received a CRA Review Letter? What to Do Next
Official sources
General information only. The applicable tax year, your records and your circumstances determine the treatment. Contact us for guidance based on your circumstances.