2025 Canada Tax Filing Season Guide

Everything you need to know about filing your 2024 income tax return in Canada

Tax Year

1 Jan - 31 Dec 2024

Filing Deadline

30 April 2025

Self-Employed Deadline

15 June 2025

๐Ÿ“Š 2024 Canadian Tax Rates (For 2025 Filing)

Federal Income Tax System

Canada uses a progressive federal tax system combined with provincial/territorial taxes. Total tax is the sum of federal and provincial rates.

Tax BracketFederal RateTaxable Income Range
First Bracket15%$0 - $55,867
Second Bracket20.5%$55,868 - $111,733
Third Bracket26%$111,734 - $173,205
Fourth Bracket29%$173,206 - $246,752
Top Bracket33%Over $246,752

๐Ÿ’ฐ 2024 Key Tax Credits & Deductions

Basic Personal Amount

$15,000

Federal tax-free amount

RRSP Contribution Limit

$31,560

Maximum for 2024

TFSA Annual Limit

$7,000

2024 contribution room

Canada Child Benefit

$7,787

Maximum per child under 6

Medical Expenses

3%

Threshold of net income

Charitable Donations

29%+

Federal tax credit rate

๐Ÿงฎ How Canadian Tax Calculation Works

Federal + Provincial Tax System

Canada uses a two-tier tax system where you pay both federal and provincial/territorial income tax. CPP and EI contributions are deducted separately from employment income.

Example: Ontario Resident with $70,000 Annual Employment Income

Step 1: Calculate CPP and EI Contributions

Employment Income$70,000
CPP Contribution (5.95% on $65,000)-$3,867.50
EI Contribution (1.66% on $63,300)-$1,050.78
Income for Tax Purposes$65,081.72

After basic exemptions

Step 2: Apply Tax Credits and Deductions

Income for Tax Purposes$65,081.72
Less: RRSP Contribution (example)-$5,000
Taxable Income$60,081.72

Step 3: Calculate Federal Tax

First $55,867 ร— 15%$8,380.05
Next $4,214.72 ร— 20.5%$864.02
Gross Federal Tax$9,244.07
Less: Basic Personal Credit (15% ร— $15,000)-$2,250
Net Federal Tax$6,994.07

Step 4: Calculate Ontario Provincial Tax

First $51,446 ร— 5.05%$2,598.02
Next $8,635.72 ร— 9.15%$790.17
Gross Provincial Tax$3,388.19
Less: Basic Personal Credit (5.05% ร— $12,399)-$626.15
Net Provincial Tax$2,762.04

Net Income Summary

Gross Employment Income$70,000
CPP & EI Contributions-$4,918.28
Federal Income Tax-$6,994.07
Provincial Income Tax-$2,762.04
Annual Net Income$55,325.61
Monthly Net Income$4,610.47
Total Tax Rate20.96%

๐Ÿ†• 2024 Tax Year Updates & Important Changes

Key Changes for 2024

  • โœ“Basic personal amount increased to $15,000
  • โœ“RRSP contribution limit raised to $31,560
  • โœ“TFSA annual contribution room set at $7,000
  • โœ“CPP maximum pensionable earnings: $68,500
  • โœ“Enhanced Canada Workers Benefit available

Important Reminders

  • โš ๏ธDigital services tax on large tech companies
  • โš ๏ธForeign property reporting if over $100,000
  • โš ๏ธCryptocurrency transactions are taxable events
  • โš ๏ธNew anti-avoidance rules for trusts
  • โš ๏ธHome office expense claims require detailed records

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between RRSP and TFSA?

RRSP contributions are tax-deductible and withdrawals are taxable, making them ideal for retirement savings. TFSA contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but all growth and withdrawals are tax-free. TFSA is more flexible for short to medium-term goals.

๐Ÿ“š Helpful Resources

Canada Revenue Agency

Official tax administration website

Visit CRA โ†’

My Account (CRA)

Online tax services and NETFILE

Access My Account โ†’

Find a Tax Professional

Certified tax preparers and accountants

Find a CPA โ†’

TaxTip

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Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as professional tax advice. Please consult with a qualified CPA or tax professional for your specific situation.

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