Filing Your First Tax Return
Lesson 3 of 14 in Taxes & Government Benefits · 25 minutes
Read a step-by-step guide on how to file your first tax return in Canada as a newcomer. Learn about deadlines, free tax clinics, and what documents you need.
What you'll learn
- Understand the steps to file a tax return in Canada
- Know important tax deadlines
- Learn about free tax filing resources for newcomers
From the lesson
Filing Your First Tax Return in Canada
Most people who live in Canada should file a tax return every year. Even if you arrived partway through the year, you should still file. Your return shows whether you owe money or will get a refund. It also keeps your benefits coming, like the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (which replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026).
Important for newcomers: in your first year, filing a tax return is not enough to start these benefits — you need to apply. If you have children, send Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application) with Schedule RC66SCH. This one application also covers the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and…