2025 Tax Deadlines in Canada

Tax deadlines are non-negotiable. Missing them means penalties and interest, which can add up fast. This guide breaks down the essential 2025 deadlines for corporate taxes, sales tax (GST/HST), and personal filings. We’ll also cover preparation tips to simplify compliance.

Key Dates:

• Corporate tax filing: Six months after fiscal year-end.
• Sales tax (monthly): One month after each period.
• Personal tax filing: April 30, 2025, or June 15, 2025 for self-employed individuals.

Corporate Tax Deadlines

Filing Deadline

• The Corporate Tax (T2) filing deadline for 2025 is within six months of your fiscal year-end.
  • Example: A December 31, 2024, year-end requires filing by June 30, 2025.

Payment Deadline

• Taxes are due two months after fiscal year-end unless you are a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) eligible for a three-month deadline extension.
  • Example: A March 31, 2025, year-end means payments are due June 30, 2025.

Installments

• Monthly or quarterly installments may be required based on income. Check your CRA notice to confirm your schedule.

Sales Tax (GST/HST) Deadlines

Filing and Payment Deadlines

• Monthly filers: One month after each period ends.
  • Example: June 2025 GST/HST return is due July 31, 2025.
• Quarterly filers: One month after each quarter ends.
  • Example: Q1 (January–March) is due April 30, 2025.
• Annual filers (corporations): Three months after the fiscal year-end.
  • Example: June 30, 2025, year-end is due September 30, 2025.
• Annual filers (self-employed individuals): Payment is due April 30, 2025. Filing is due June 16, 2025.

Personal Tax Deadlines

General Filers

• Deadline: April 30, 2025. Payments must also be made by this date.

Self-Employed Individuals

• Deadline: June 15, 2025, if you or your spouse run a business. Payments are still due by April 30, 2025.

Tax Installments

• For those required to make installment payments:
  • Due dates: March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15, 2025.

How to Prepare For Tax Deadlines

Preparation is the easiest way to ensure you meet all of your tax deadlines throughout the year. Here’s how you can ensure your business is ready:

1. Have a Strong Accounting System

An accounting system is your foundation for organized financial management. These are the three elements at its core: 

• Track Income and Expenses: Record every transaction. Categorizing expenses correctly (e.g., office supplies, marketing, utilities) ensures you don’t miss eligible deductions.
• Automate Where Possible: Use features like bank feed integration, recurring invoices, and automated expense tracking to reduce manual entry errors.
• Reconcile Monthly: A surprising amount of businesses don't have a month end close list. That means they are scrambling to figure out if things are adding up at the end of the year. Match your records against bank statements each month to catch discrepancies early.

2. Keep Financials Updated Monthly

Waiting until the end of the year to organize your books is a recipe for stress. A monthly routine ensures you’re always ready for taxes.

• Income Statements: Summarize revenue and expenses to monitor profitability.
• Balance Sheets: Track assets, liabilities, and equity for a snapshot of financial health.
• Cash Flow Statements: Understand the flow of money in and out of your business to plan for upcoming tax payments.

3. Work with an Accountant

Yes we're a little biased BUT... accountant provide expertise and guidance that saves time and reduces risk. Here's what they should be doing for you:

• Regular Bookkeeping: If your books are being kept up, your reports are being generated. And if your reports are being generated, your taxes should get filed on time or early. 
• Filing and Payments: Actually filing your taxes is an hour or two of time that you don't need to be wasting. Accountants have it down to a science so they can take care of it for you.
• Tax Strategy: An accountant can identify opportunities for savings, like deductions or tax credits that you may not be aware of.
• Compliance: Stay on top of changes to tax laws and regulations that could affect your business.

If you need an accountant this year - you can chat with our team directly to see if we'd be the right fit.

5. Create a Tax Calendar

Add all your corporate, sales, and personal tax deadlines to a calendar. We use Google Calendar and ClickUp with reminder notifications for ourselves and our clients. 

• Set Alerts: Schedule reminders a week before each deadline to gather documents and complete filings.
• Include Payment Dates: Ensure installment and balance due dates are part of the calendar to avoid cash flow surprises.

6. Plan for Tax Payments

Taxes are a predictable expense, so plan your cash flow accordingly.

• Set Aside Funds: Allocate a portion of revenue each month to a dedicated tax savings account.
• Forecast Obligations: Use past tax bills and current year estimates to predict what you’ll owe. You can work with an accountant on this too. 
• Prepare for Heavy Months: Periods like June (when corporate tax, installments, and GST/HST payments often align) can strain cash flow. Planning ahead minimizes disruptions.

7. Leverage CRA Tools and Accounts

The CRA provides online tools to simplify tax compliance.

• My Business Account: View payment deadlines, balances, and past filings for corporate taxes and GST/HST.
• My Account (Personal): Manage installment payments, RRSP contributions, and personal tax filings.
• Direct Deposit: Speed up refunds and avoid lost checks by linking your bank account to CRA.

8. Automate Payments

For recurring obligations like payroll remittances, installments, or GST/HST, set up automated payments through your WagePoint (easiest), bank, or your CRA account. Automation eliminates the risk of forgetting deadlines.

The Gist

Staying on top of tax deadlines avoids penalties and keeps your business running smoothly. With proper preparation and expert support, meeting these dates becomes routine.

6. FAQs

Q: What happens if I miss a deadline?
A: Late filings or payments incur penalties and interest charges. File and pay as soon as possible to minimize costs.

Q: Do I have to make installments?
A: Installments are mandatory if your taxes owed exceed the CRA threshold. Check your notice for specifics.

Q: Can I change my fiscal year-end?
A: Yes, but it requires CRA approval. Consult an accountant for guidance.

Q: What deductions can I claim?
A: This varies by business type. Common deductions include office expenses, vehicle costs, and professional fees.

Need help staying organized? Mesa offers accounting services to keep your financials on track year-round. Get in touch today.