CRA Tax Deadlines 2025: Key Dates Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Jan 16

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Tax deadlines have a way of sneaking up on even the most organized small business owners. Between juggling client work, managing day-to-day operations, and, let’s be real, trying to have a life, keeping track of when to file or remit payments can feel overwhelming.

And let’s face it—there’s nothing more stressful than realizing a key CRA deadline is right around the corner when you’re not prepared. Late filings or missed deadlines don’t just cause headaches; they can lead to penalties that eat into your hard-earned profits.

The good news? Staying on top of CRA tax deadlines doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear calendar and a bit of planning, you can avoid the last-minute rush and keep your business running smoothly.

In this post, we’ll walk through the key CRA tax deadlines for 2025, along with some practical tips to help you stay compliant and stress-free all year long.

Staying Ahead of CRA Deadlines: Why Early Planning Pays Off

When it comes to managing your tax deadlines, planning ahead is your best ally. Tackling these dates proactively can make a world of difference—not just for your peace of mind but for the health of your business too.

Taking a proactive approach to CRA deadlines comes with three major benefits:

1. Avoid last-minute stress
Trying to pull everything together at the eleventh hour is a recipe for stress. By addressing your tax obligations early, you’ll save yourself from the scramble and ensure everything is filed correctly, on time, and with minimal frustration.

2. Stay compliant and avoid penalties
The CRA doesn’t mess around when it comes to deadlines. Missing one could mean costly late fees or penalties. Staying ahead of the calendar means you’ll keep more of your hard-earned profits where they belong—in your business.

3. Free up time for what matters most
Getting your tax filings out of the way early allows you to focus on the parts of your business you truly enjoy, like serving clients, growing your services, or even taking a well-earned break.

Woman reviewing papers and files at her desk

If sticking to a schedule isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry—building a habit of reviewing your finances monthly or using automated tools to track important dates can help. Over time, these practices will become second nature, keeping you organized and confident all year long.

Key CRA Deadlines to Mark on Your 2025 Calendar

When it comes to managing your taxes, timing is everything. Staying ahead of CRA deadlines can save you from the stress of last-minute filing and help you avoid costly penalties. Here are some of the most important dates for Canadian small business owners to keep in mind:

GST/HST Filing Deadlines
Whether you file monthly, quarterly, or annually, your GST/HST filing deadline depends on your reporting schedule. For annual filers, the deadline is typically three months after your fiscal year-end—so if your fiscal year ends December 31, 2024, your filing deadline is March 31, 2025.
Personal Tax Returns (T1 General)
If you’re a sole proprietor or unincorporated business owner, your personal tax return is due by June 15, 2025. But don’t forget: any taxes owing are due by April 30, 2025, so it’s best to file early to avoid interest charges.
Corporate Tax Returns (T2)
For incorporated businesses, your corporate tax return is due six months after your fiscal year-end. For example, if your year-end is December 31, 2024, your T2 return must be filed by June 30, 2025.
Payroll Remittance Deadlines
If you have employees, payroll remittance deadlines vary depending on your remittance schedule (monthly, quarterly, or accelerated). These deadlines ensure the CRA receives source deductions like income tax, CPP, and EI contributions on time.
Instalment Payment Deadlines
If you’re required to pay instalments, these are typically due quarterly—March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15, 2025. Staying on top of these payments can help you avoid interest charges and keep your cash flow steady.
T4s, T4As, T5s, and T5018s
Here are the filing deadlines for key information slips your business may need to prepare:

T4s (Statement of Remuneration Paid): Due February 29, 2025, for employees who worked for you in 2024.
T4As (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income): Also due February 29, 2025, for contractors or other individuals you paid during 2024.
T5s (Statement of Investment Income): Due February 29, 2025, for reporting dividends, interest, or other investment income.
T5018s (Statement of Contract Payments): Due February 29, 2025, if your business operates in the construction industry and made contract payments during 2024.

woman sitting at her desk reviewing financials and holding a coffee cup

Being proactive with these deadlines means fewer surprises and more time to focus on growing your business.

Need help staying organized? Download my free checklist, “6 Essentials for a Financially Healthy Business.” It’s packed with actionable tips to help you streamline your finances and stay compliant throughout the year.

The Best Time to Tackle Tax Deadlines

Tax deadlines might not seem like something to get excited about, but approaching them with a plan can make all the difference. The key is finding the right time to focus on them—before the due dates sneak up on you.

For many small business owners, the best time to prepare for upcoming tax deadlines is during quieter periods in your business cycle. When things settle down a bit, you’ll have fewer distractions and can focus on gathering the information and documents you need to file accurately.

This is especially true if your busiest months are tied to seasonal trends or major client deadlines. Tackling taxes during your downtime means you’re not scrambling in the middle of a hectic month trying to juggle bookkeeping with everything else on your plate.

Not sure when your “quiet time” is? A good rule of thumb is to start preparing at least one month before each deadline. For example, February is the perfect time to prepare T4s, T5s, and other information slips since these are due at the end of the month. And if your GST/HST filing is annual, schedule time in February or early March to finalize everything before the March 31 deadline.

If you know you tend to procrastinate when it comes to taxes, here are a few tips to stay on track:

Break the work into smaller chunks. Set aside an hour or two each week leading up to the deadline to gather receipts, review your books, or double-check client payments.
Set reminders. Use your calendar or a project management tool to schedule key tasks like reconciling accounts or reviewing payroll details.
Reward yourself for staying ahead. Celebrate once your filings are submitted! Whether it’s treating yourself to a coffee or a well-deserved afternoon off, a little reward can make the process feel more manageable.

When you take a proactive approach, tax deadlines become less about stress and more about staying in control.

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Make Tax Deadlines Work for You

At the end of the day, the best time to tackle your tax deadlines is whenever you can be most focused and productive. For some, that might mean setting aside a quiet hour in the morning with a coffee in hand. For others, it might mean blocking out an afternoon when the office slows down, or even dedicating a weekend to knock it all out at once.

The key is to carve out intentional time, free from distractions, to give your financial responsibilities the attention they deserve. Sure, squeezing in 15 minutes here and there might help you gather a few receipts, but when it comes to tasks like reconciling your books or preparing T4s, a solid block of time is your best friend.

Here’s the trick: be strict with your schedule. If you’ve decided to dedicate Tuesday morning to reviewing payroll remittances or preparing instalments, treat it like an unmissable appointment. Start on time, stay focused, and stick with it until the job is done. The hardest part is often just starting—but once you dive in, you’ll find the momentum to keep going.