Every year, it’s the same story… you tell yourself “I’ll do it later”, then you delay, you forget, and suddenly the deadline arrives like a fully packed taxi in Douala.
This year, no excuses. The CCAC-ACCC Calgary Free Tax Clinic is here to help you with your tax return: free, simple, and stress-free.
Who needs to file taxes in Canada?
In Canada, almost everyone is required to file a tax return, even with a low income. Whether you are a student, a newcomer, a part-time worker, or receiving government benefits, filing your taxes is still important. Many people assume it is not necessary when income is low, but this often leads to missed refunds and credits.
Why filing taxes matters
Filing your taxes is not just a legal obligation. It is also a way to recover money you may be entitled to and keep your benefits active. The Canada Revenue Agency uses your tax return to calculate key benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credits, and other support programs. It also helps update your RRSP room and prevents interruptions or issues with payments.
Every year, many people discover they were eligible for refunds simply by filing on time.
Tax deadline 2026
The deadline for most individuals to file their 2025 tax return is April 30, 2026. This date applies to both filing and payment for most taxpayers. For self-employed individuals, the filing deadline is June 15, 2026, but any taxes owed must still be paid by April 30 to avoid interest charges.
What happens if you file late?
Filing late can quickly become costly. If you owe money and miss the deadline, penalties are applied immediately. In addition, daily interest is charged on the unpaid balance, which means the amount increases over time. That is why it is always better to file on time, even if you are not able to pay right away.
Why filing on time protects your benefits
Filing on time also ensures that your government benefits continue without interruption. Programs such as the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credits, and other income-based supports may be delayed or paused if your tax return is not filed.
A simple delay can affect your monthly payments and financial stability.
CCAC-ACCC Free Tax Clinic in Calgary
The CCAC-ACCC Free Tax Clinic runs from February 17 to April 30, 2026, helping eligible individuals complete simple tax returns for free. The goal is to support people with straightforward tax situations and help them avoid mistakes or missed benefits.
Location: 3944 29 Street NE, Calgary
Wednesday: 1 PM – 5 PM and Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
info@ccac-accc.org
📞 (403) 200-6064 / (825) 558-6819
Who can use the service?
This free service is for individuals and families with low to moderate income. Eligibility depends on household size.
A single person is generally eligible up to around $35,000 income. For two people, the limit is about $45,000, for three people around $47,500, for four people $50,000, and for five people $52,500. Each additional person adds approximately $3,000.
The service is mainly designed for simple tax situations such as employment income, studies, or government benefits.
What to bring
To make the process smooth, please bring your ID, Social Insurance Number, banking information for direct deposit, and all tax slips such as T4s and other income documents. It is also recommended to bring receipts for medical expenses, tuition, donations, or other eligible deductions.
Being prepared helps speed up your filing and avoids unnecessary delays. If you cannot pay your taxes filing late leads to penalties, while filing on time allows you to set up a payment arrangement with the CRA if needed.
What the clinic cannot do
The clinic does not handle complex tax situations such as self-employment income, rental income, bankruptcy cases, or deceased persons’ returns. In these cases, professional tax services are required.
This year, the goal is simple: plan ahead, stay organized, and avoid last-minute stress.