3 Big Things to Double-Check Before Submitting That Tax Return. Tax season feels like a race against time. Deadlines always loom, and piles of documents build up. The urge to just file your return and be done is strong. But rushing can lead to big mistakes. One small overlooked detail or a simple typing error might cause delays, penalties, or even make you miss out on money. This article will show you the three most important things to check closely. Do this before you hit that submit button. It ensures your tax return is right and helps you keep more of your hard-earned cash.
Taking a few extra minutes to look over your return can save you major headaches later. It's not just about stopping CRA penalties. It’s also about making sure you get every deduction and credit you deserve. By focusing on these key checks, you can file your taxes with real peace of mind. You'll know you did everything possible to make it accurate and fair.
1. Double-Check Your Personal Information
It may seem obvious, but one of the most common CRA tax return mistakes is incorrect personal details. Errors in your Social Insurance Number (SIN), address, or direct deposit information can delay your refund or cause communication issues with the CRA.
Here’s what to review before filing:
- SIN: Make sure every digit is entered correctly.
- Address: Update it if you’ve moved. A wrong address could delay important CRA notices.
- Direct Deposit Info: Verify your banking details in CRA My Account to avoid refund cheques being mailed.
- Marital Status & Dependents: Report any changes (marriage, divorce, new child, etc.). These can impact credits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credit.
Even one small error here could result in extra processing time—or worse, missed benefits.
2. Review Income Sources and Tax Slips
Forgetting a single T-slip is one of the fastest ways to trigger a CRA reassessment. The CRA receives copies of your slips directly from employers, banks, and other institutions, so missing income won’t go unnoticed.
Make sure you’ve included all relevant forms:
- T4 slips (employment income)
- T5 slips (investment income)
- T4A slips (pension, scholarships, or self-employment income)
- T4E slips (Employment Insurance)
- T5007 slips (social assistance or workers’ compensation)
If you’re self-employed or earning gig income, you may not receive a slip at all—so keep good records of invoices, PayPal statements, or e-transfer receipts. Missing income can lead to penalties and interest charges, so cross-check everything with your CRA My Account before filing.
3. Don’t Miss Out on Deductions and Credits
This is where many Canadians leave money on the table. The right tax deductions and credits can significantly reduce your tax bill—or boost your refund.
Some key ones to double-check:
- RRSP contributions – Contributions made up to February 29, 2025, can be claimed on your 2024 return.
- Medical expenses – Save receipts! Many common expenses qualify, including prescriptions, dental care, and travel for treatment.
- Tuition and education credits – Students (or parents supporting them) should claim all available credits.
- Home office expenses – If you work from home, you may qualify for a deduction.
- Charitable donations – Donations to registered charities can give you a non-refundable tax credit.
- Moving expenses – If you relocated for work or school, you may be eligible.
The CRA provides detailed lists of eligible expenses, but a tax professional can ensure you don’t miss any that apply to your situation.
Bonus: Check Your Instalments and Balances
If you were required to make CRA tax instalments during the year, confirm that those payments were applied correctly. Missing or late instalments can result in interest charges. Likewise, check if you owe any previous balances—those don’t disappear just because you’re filing a new return.
Final Thoughts: 3 Big Things to Double-Check Before Submitting That Tax Return
Submitting your tax return isn’t just about meeting the deadline—it’s about filing accurately so you avoid headaches later. By double-checking your personal details, ensuring you’ve reported all income, and claiming every deduction and credit available, you can maximise your refund and reduce the chance of CRA reassessments or penalties.
If you’re unsure about any step, consider working with a tax expert. Professional advice can give you peace of mind and potentially save you money in ways you might not realise.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended to provide general information. The information does not consider your personal situation and is not intended to be used without consultation from accounting and financial professionals. Salman Rundhawa and Filing Taxes will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.