Starting February 19, 2024, you can access the Canada Revenue Agency’s EFILE service to file your 2023 T1 personal income tax and benefit return. This gives you plenty of time to file your taxes before the April 30, 2024 deadline. Here are four tips from our experts to help you tackle tax season with confidence.

1. Know when you can do it yourself and when you need to hire an expert.

The complexity of your tax return and your comfort level with the filing process come into play when deciding whether to hire an expert or do it yourself.

If your tax situation is complicated, having your tax return prepared by a professional could be the best option. Whether you’ve sold significant assets during the year, are self-employed or own rental properties, a tax expert will be able to help you navigate the complexities of your situation.

On the flip side, if your tax return information is mostly tax slips, then filing your own tax return could be an affordable and relatively simple option. If you go the do-it-yourself route, you can use the CRA’s auto-fill my return service to streamline the process. Just double check that the auto-fill information is accurate.

2. Start compiling the information you’ll need to file your 2023 tax return.

Whether you’re filing on your own or through a professional, you’re responsible to gather all of the relevant information. This could include information related to your employment, investments, education, charitable donations, medical expenses and child care expenses.

3. Be wise with your tax refund and have a plan.

If you’ll be getting a tax refund this year, there are many ways you can put your refund to work:

• • If you have high-interest debt—like credit card debt or higher interest personal loans—you could pay down your debt.
  • Re-invest your tax refund in an RRSP or TFSA if you have contribution room.
  • Add to a rainy day fund so you’re prepared for emergencies.
    
    

4. Maximize your RRSP contributions and don’t get penalized for over contributing.

• • Check your previous year's Notice of Assessment to find out how much RRSP room you have. You can easily login to CRA using your ATB Personal banking credentials through Secure Key Concierge.
  • You have 60 days after year end to make contributions for the previous tax year.
  • Try a pre-authorized contribution and make saving simple. 

Want to learn more about how year-end taxes relate to your investments? Let's talk. For tax-specific advice, we recommend seeking professional guidance from an accountant or tax lawyer.