As the 2025 tax season kicks off, many Canadians are eager to understand their eligibility for tax refunds, benefit payments, and key filing deadlines.
Whether you’re expecting a refund, receiving government benefits, or simply looking to avoid late penalties, staying informed is crucial.
This guide covers who will receive payments in March 2025, how to apply for a tax refund, and what deadlines you need to keep in mind.
Canada Tax Refund
A tax refund occurs when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) determines that you’ve paid more tax than necessary. This can happen due to:
- Over-withholding from your paycheck
- Claiming eligible deductions and tax credits
- Contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
If you’re eligible, the CRA will process your refund once your tax return is assessed. The method of payment can be direct deposit or a mailed cheque.
Payments
While tax refunds depend on filing a tax return, some government benefits will be distributed in March 2025.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The OTB assists Ontario residents with energy costs, property taxes, and sales tax credits. If you’re eligible, your March payment will be:
- March 10, 2025
Additional payment dates include April 10 and May 9, 2025.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The CCB provides tax-free monthly payments to families with children under 18. The March 2025 payment date is:
- March 20, 2025
GST/HST Credit
The Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) credit helps low- and modest-income Canadians offset sales tax costs. While there is no payment in March, the next scheduled date is:
- April 4, 2025
Filing
Filing your tax return correctly and on time is the key to receiving a refund or avoiding penalties.
Required Documents
Before filing, ensure you have:
- T4 Slips – Income from employers
- Receipts – Medical, childcare, and charitable donations
- RRSP Contribution Receipts – Contributions up to March 3, 2025, can be deducted
Filing Methods
You can file your tax return using:
- NETFILE – CRA-approved online tax software for fast processing
- Paper Filing – Sending a completed return by mail (slower processing)
The CRA recommends filing electronically for quicker refunds.
Important Deadlines
- February 24, 2025 – CRA begins accepting electronic returns
- March 3, 2025 – RRSP contribution deadline for 2024 tax year
- April 30, 2025 – Tax filing deadline for most individuals
- June 16, 2025 – Filing deadline for self-employed individuals (but taxes owed are still due April 30)
Monitoring
Once you’ve filed your return, you can check your refund status:
- Online – CRA’s “My Account” service
- Phone – CRA’s automated Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS)
The CRA advises waiting eight weeks before inquiring about refunds (16 weeks for international filers).
Penalties
The CRA has announced late-filing penalty relief for 2025:
- Individuals – Extended until June 2, 2025
- Trusts – Extended until May 1, 2025
This gives taxpayers more time to meet filing obligations while avoiding penalties.
Filing your taxes accurately and on time ensures a smooth process.
Whether you’re expecting a refund or government benefits, staying informed about deadlines and eligibility is key. Don’t miss out on what you’re owed—file early and keep track of your payments!
