Filing your taxes online with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has never been easier. For many Albertans, services like NETFILE make it convenient to submit returns from the comfort of home. But let’s face it—just because something is easy doesn’t mean mistakes don’t happen. Even small errors can lead to delays, missed refunds, or worse, CRA reassessments and penalties.
So, whether it’s your first time e-filing or you’re a seasoned pro, knowing what to watch for can save you a lot of stress. Let’s take a look at 8 common errors to avoid when filing taxes online with CRA and how to keep your return error-free.
1. Forgetting to Report All Income
It might seem harmless to leave out a little extra income here or there, but the CRA takes this very seriously. Did you work a side gig, earn freelance income, or receive investment dividends? All income—whether from employment, self-employment, or investments—must be reported on your return.
One of the most common mistakes is forgetting about T4 slips from a previous employer or not including income from tips and side hustles. The CRA receives copies of most slips, so any mismatch between their records and your return could trigger a review.
Tip: Use the CRA’s online “Auto-fill my return” tool if you’re filing through certified software. It pulls in your tax information directly from the CRA’s database, reducing the risk of missing income.
2. Missing the RRSP Contribution Deadline
Did you make contributions to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) this year? If so, make sure you claim them on the correct tax return. Contributions made up until March 1, 2025, can still be deducted on your 2024 taxes, which can help lower your taxable income.
Failing to include this deduction is an easy mistake but can cost you extra tax savings. Similarly, claiming contributions in the wrong tax year could lead to errors and possible reassessments.
Tip: Double-check your RRSP contribution receipt and use the correct amount for the applicable tax year.
3. Using Incorrect Personal Information
You’d be surprised how often people submit tax returns with errors in basic information like their name, Social Insurance Number (SIN), or address. These small mistakes can lead to delays in processing your return or even problems accessing your refund.
If you recently moved or changed your marital status, make sure the CRA has your updated information before filing.
Tip: Log in to your CRA My Account to verify your details before submitting your return.
4. Overlooking Deductions and Credits
Did you know there are dozens of deductions and credits you might qualify for? Some commonly missed ones include:
- Medical expenses (e.g., prescriptions, dental care, travel for treatment)
- Tuition and education credits for students or their parents
- Childcare expenses for daycare or babysitting
- The Home Accessibility Tax Credit if you made renovations for a senior or someone with a disability
Many Albertans leave money on the table simply because they don’t know which deductions they can claim.
Tip: Use CRA-certified software that helps you search for credits based on your personal situation.
5. Forgetting to File All Required Forms
Filing taxes online doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for submitting all the required forms. For example:
- Did you sell investments? You’ll need a T5008 slip to report capital gains or losses.
- Are you self-employed? Make sure to complete the T2125 form to report your business income and expenses.
Forgetting to include these forms can result in reassessments, which may lead to penalties or lost deductions.
Tip: Before you hit “submit,” review your return to ensure all relevant forms and schedules are attached.
6. Filing Late
While filing taxes online makes things faster, it doesn’t mean you can procrastinate indefinitely. For most Albertans, the filing deadline for 2024 income taxes is April 30, 2025. If you’re self-employed, you have until June 17, 2025 (since June 15 falls on a weekend), but any taxes owing are still due by April 30.
Miss the deadline? The CRA charges a late-filing penalty of 5% on any taxes owed, plus 1% for each additional month, up to 12 months.
Tip: If you’re running out of time, file your return even if you can’t pay your balance yet. Filing on time helps you avoid penalties, and you can work with the CRA on a payment plan.
7. Ignoring Installment Payments
Do you owe more than $3,000 in taxes each year? If so, you’re required to pay tax installments throughout the year. Ignoring installment deadlines can lead to interest charges when you file your return.
Installment payments are typically due quarterly, with deadlines in March, June, September, and December. If you’re not sure whether you’re required to pay installments, check your CRA My Account or your previous Notice of Assessment.
Tip: Keep track of installment deadlines, and consider setting up automated payments to stay on top of them.
8. Not Keeping Records
Even though you’re filing online, you still need to keep copies of your receipts, slips, and other supporting documents for at least six years. If the CRA asks for a review or audit, not having the proper paperwork could land you in trouble.
This applies to everything from medical expenses to business deductions. The CRA doesn’t ask for receipts upfront, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need them later.
Tip: Create a digital or physical folder to store your documents as you prepare your return. This makes it easy to retrieve them if the CRA requests proof.
Key Takeaways
Filing taxes online with CRA is simple and convenient, but small mistakes can cause big headaches. From forgetting to report all your income to overlooking deductions and missing deadlines, these errors can cost you time, money, or both.
Take the time to double-check your return, use CRA-certified software, and stay organized to ensure an error-free filing experience. Need help preparing your taxes or navigating CRA requirements? Contact us today, and we’ll make sure your online filing is done right the first time.