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How Newcomers to Canada Should Tackle the 2025 Tax Return
Arrived in Canada in 2025? Here's what you need to know to file your first return before April 30, 2026—and how to avoid common pitfalls.
By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • April 26, 2026
## Who is a "newcomer"
A **newcomer** for tax purposes is someone who becomes a Canadian resident partway through a year. This could include individuals transitioning from student status, work permits, or other immigration categories. Your residency status *affects your obligation to report worldwide income and claim credits or benefits* that start the year you arrive. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
## Key Dates and Deadlines
- If you arrived in 2025, you **must file your 2025 tax return** by **April 30, 2026**. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
- If you're self-employed (or your spouse/common-law partner is), you have until **June 15, 2026** to file, but any taxes owed are still due by April 30. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
## What Income Must You Report?
- If you became a Canadian resident in 2025, **report all income earned inside Canada** from the date of arrival, and any abroad while you were a resident. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
- If you owned foreign property costing over **CAD $100,000**, you generally must file a **Foreign Income Verification Statement (Form T1135)**. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
## Benefits and Credits You Might Be Eligible For
- **GST/HST Credit**, **Canada Child Benefit**, and other income-based credits can apply once you’re properly resident and filing. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
- Certain credits tied to age, disability, or non-refundable types may also become available. Always complete the relevant additional forms. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
## Supporting Documents & Residency Ties
- You’ll need standard Canadian income tax slips: **T4s**, **T5s**, etc., for any Canadian employment or investment income. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
- Keep receipts for expenses you're eligible to claim (e.g. moving, medical, charitable). Self-employed newcomers need good bookkeeping. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
- To establish residency ties: lease or home ownership, bank accounts, social relationships—these affect how CRA treats your worldwide income. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/payroll-deductions-contributions/special-situations/employment-outside-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
## Actionable Steps Right Now
1. Gather all foreign and Canadian slip/stubs: employment, joint income, investments.
2. Check if you exceed CAD $100,000 in foreign property. If yes, fill out form T1135.
3. Apply for a **Social Insurance Number (SIN)** if you don’t have one; it’s required. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2026/tax-tip-taxes-made-simple-newcomers-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
4. File online via CRA My Account or paper before deadlines; ensure correct forms and schedule attachments.
5. Claim all credits and benefits; make sure to file annually even if income is very low or zero, so you don’t lose eligibility.
## Common Missteps to Watch Out
- Forgetting to report foreign property or income.
- Missing the difference between your **filing** due date and **payment** due date if self-employed.
- Not filling out credit/benefit forms or failing to notify CRA of changes in status (marriage, dependents, income).
- Assuming residency tied only to citizenship—CRA looks at ties, length, intent. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/payroll-deductions-contributions/special-situations/employment-outside-canada.html?utm_source=openai))
Being well-prepared can make your first year of Canadian tax compliance smoother—and get you the benefits you’re entitled to without delay.