Do I need to file taxes in Canada if I have little or no income?
If you earned very little, skipping your taxes can feel logical. But a return with a small number on it can still be what unlocks payments.
Why filing matters even with low income
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) says that when you file, it automatically considers you for the benefit and credit payments you may qualify for. In its tax tip for newcomers it states that to keep getting these payments, you must file a tax return every year, even if you had little or no income. Your spouse or common-law partner also needs to file every year.
Benefits tied to filing
Two examples from the CRA are the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, paid every three months, and the Canada child benefit, paid monthly. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026 and uses the same eligibility rules. The CRA says the amount rose by 25% in July 2026, and that increase lasts five years. See our 2026 benefit payment dates for when money arrives.
A worked example of what a skipped return can cost
Suppose someone would receive $100 per quarter. These are made-up numbers, since your amount depends on your family net income and situation.
| Illustrative example | Number |
|---|---|
| Hypothetical quarterly payment | $100 |
| Payments per year (every three months) | 4 |
| Hypothetical yearly total | $400 |
| Same payment after a 25% increase | $125 |
| Hypothetical yearly total after increase | $500 |
The point is simple: a few minutes spent filing can be the difference between receiving payments like these or not. The CRA also notes that if you file late, missed benefit amounts are paid retroactively in the next scheduled payment, so it is better late than never.
Deadlines and what else filing does
For the 2025 tax year, most individuals had to file on or before April 30, 2026. Self-employed people generally had until June 15, 2026, but any balance owing was still due April 30. For future years, check the CRA's important dates page each spring. Filing also gets you any refund you are owed and lets you pay any tax you owe.
How to make it painless
Gather your slips
Collect your T4, T5 and any receipts. If you earned savings interest, read is HISA interest taxable in Canada.
Use your CRA account
Sign in to your CRA account to see the benefits and credits listed for you. Never share your login with anyone who contacts you out of the blue.
Plan the money you get
Payments can help build a cushion. Our guide to emergency funds shows how to start.
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