Updated Checked by the Tax-Services.ca editorial team How we check
The Canadian tax year runs on a few fixed dates: slips and the RRSP deadline around the end of February and March 1, instalments on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, the April 30 filing and payment deadline, June 15 for the self-employed, and December 31 for most deductions. This page lists them in order and links to the page that helps in each month.
Short answer: The dates that matter most in 2027 are March 1 (RRSP), April 30 (file and pay), June 15 (self-employed filing) and the four instalment dates.
What happens from January to March?
- January. New-year limits start to apply. The 2027 RRSP limit is $35,390, and the TFSA limit for 2027 was not published when we last checked. See the 2026 vs 2027 tax numbers.
- February. Your slips arrive. T4 and T5 slips are due by the last day of February, which is a Sunday in 2027, so the date moves to March 1. The tax slips decoder explains what each one means. The CRA sets the NETFILE opening date each year; in 2026 it opened on February 23, according to the CRA NETFILE page.
- March. The RRSP deadline for the 2026 tax year is March 1, 2027. The first instalment is due March 15. Run a contribution through the RRSP calculator, and compare options in TFSA vs RRSP.
What happens from April to June?
- April. April 30, 2027 is the filing deadline for most people and the deadline to pay any balance owing. Use the tax refund calculator to estimate the result, and the before you file checklist to gather your papers.
- May. Your notice of assessment comes after you file. See what to do with your notice of assessment and when you will get your refund. If you disagree with it, read about the notice of objection.
- June. June 15, 2027 is the filing deadline for the self-employed and their spouses, but any tax owing is still due April 30. The second instalment is also due June 15. If you missed a date, see what to do about a missed filing deadline.
What happens from July to September?
- July. A new Canada Child Benefit year starts, and the amounts follow the return you filed in the spring. The payment dates are on the Canada Child Benefit payment dates page and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit dates page.
- August. No federal tax deadline falls in August. It is a good month to check your pay deductions with the take-home pay calculator and to see your own dates in My tax year.
- September. The third instalment is due September 15. The tax instalments calculator shows what to pay, and the article on instalments for individuals explains who has to.
What happens from October to December?
- October. Many figures for next year come out in the fall, such as the EI and CPP numbers. We track them in the 2026 vs 2027 tax numbers.
- November. Plan the year-end while there is still time to act. The year-end tax planning guide lists the moves worth a look.
- December. The fourth instalment is due December 15, and December 31 is the last day for most 2027 deductions and credits, such as donations and medical expenses. Try the donation tax credit calculator.
Where can you see all the dates in one place?
The 2027 tax calendar has the table with weekdays, and you can add the dates to your own calendar from the open data page. A date that falls on a weekend or holiday usually moves to the next business day, so confirm with the CRA before you rely on one.
Where does this information come from?
Dates follow the rules published by the Canada Revenue Agency, applied to the 2027 calendar, and the NETFILE date comes from the CRA page linked above. This is an independent information site: we provide no services, we do not represent the CRA or any organization, we collect information from open sources, and we do not guarantee it is accurate. We accept no liability for decisions based on it. Check the official source before you rely on a date. Last checked October 2026. See the full disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
When is the RRSP deadline in 2027?
The RRSP contribution deadline for the 2026 tax year is March 1, 2027, because February 28 falls on a Sunday.
When is the tax filing deadline in 2027?
Most people file and pay by April 30, 2027. Self-employed people and their spouses can file by June 15, but any tax owing is still due April 30.
When are tax instalments due?
Instalments are due on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. A date on a weekend or holiday usually moves to the next business day.
Is there a tax deadline in August?
No federal filing or instalment date falls in August, so it is a quiet month to check your pay deductions.