The T1 taxpayer's form is also known as the Income Tax and Benefit Return. Here is an overview of everything Canadians need to know about the T1 form, including who should fill it out, where to get it, and its various sections.
What is a T1 form?
The T1 form is a summary of all income taxes you pay to the CRA. It declares all income you have generated for the specified calendar year. Think of the T1 as a kind of summary of all the other forms you complete for your income taxes, as well as all the information required to file.
You need the T1 form to apply for various services like the Canada Child benefit, GST/HST refundable tax credits, and other benefits. You may also be required to provide the T1 general income form when applying for major credits, such as a mortgage.
Who should fill out a T1?
Anyone who will owe taxes should complete a T1. Business owners, such as sole proprietors and partnerships, are also required to complete the T1 business form. However, if you are a corporation, you should complete the T2 which is provided for corporate income.
How do I get a T1?
There are various places to get a copy of the CRA T1 form. The easiest way to get your T1 is online.
If you have a CRA My Account, you can find your T1 for the current year, as well as the past 11 years that you filed, by looking under the “tax returns view” section. If you look for anything older, you will need to contact the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281 to request a copy.
A tax preparer can also access your tax information, with your permission, through your online CRA account. You can also import your current tax information, including a T1, from the CRA using online tax-filing software with an auto-filling return feature. These tax forms are named after the calendar years they are required for, so you should use the 2024 T1 form to report personal income for the 2024 tax year.
T1 breakdown
The T1 general income tax isn't as elaborate as others. It also uses entries from other taxpayer forms and has five main parts to fill. These include:
Section | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Identification | In this section, you provide details such as your name, address, social insurance number, and marital status. You will also be required to answer questions such as your Elections Canada authorization, whether you have exempt income, your foreign property declaration as well as some questions that may or may not appear, depending which province or territory you live in, such as whether you want to claim the Canada Carbon Rebate, if you’ve lived on specific First Nations lands, etc. |
| Total Income | Here you declare all your income sources, including income from employment, self-employment, foreign income, disability benefits, and more. This is also known as your gross income. |
| Net Income | This is the amount you're left with after most deductions are subtracted from your total income. Deductions such as RRSP and RPP contributions, child care expenses, and union dues will all lower your net income. |
Where do I send my T1?
The easiest way to complete the T1 form yourself is by submitting it to CRA online using DIY software. Online form submission is facilitated using NETFILE, the CRA-recommended service for submitting CRA-issued taxpayer forms. You can also download the PDF form, fill and mail it to the CRA office designated for your province or territory.
When do I submit and pay for my T1?
Canadian taxpayers, who have to file a return and are not self-employed, are required to file the T1 by April 30. If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you have until June 15 to file your tax return. If you have an amount owing, the payment deadline is still April 30, no matter whether your filing deadline is April 30 or June 15.
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