Tax Filing Deadlines for Corporations and Small Businesses in Canada (2026)

Running a small business in Canada comes with many rules and regulations. Filing taxes on time is one of them. It’s important to have a good understanding of tax-filing deadlines for the Corporation. Moreover, you need to know that missing a deadline can lead to penalties, interest, or even worse. By understanding tax filing deadlines in 2026, you can stay compliant and stress-free.

In this guide, we have covered corporate tax deadlines (T2 returns), payment deadlines & installments, GST/HST, payroll, and other returns. Moreover, penalties for failing to file on time, interest, and what to do if you miss a deadline.

Corporate Tax Filing Deadlines (T2 Returns)

Before diving into specific dates, you need to know your corporation’s fiscal period (tax year). A corporation chooses its fiscal period (often at incorporation). However, it cannot exceed 53 weeks (371 days).

Once your fiscal period ends, that date becomes the reference point for filing and payment deadlines. For example:

• If your fiscal year ends on March 31, your filing due date is September 30.
• If it ends on October 15, your T2 return is due April 15 of the next year (six months later)
• If your year-end falls at the end of a month, the due date is the last day of the sixth month following.

A professional corporation that is a member of a partnership and carries on business in Canada must use a December 31 tax year-end. Also, if your due date lands on a weekend or recognized public holiday, the CRA treats a return as filed on time if it’s postmarked or received by the next business day. 

When Must You File a T2 Return?

• All Canadian resident corporations and many non-residents must file a T2 Corporation Income Tax Return for each taxation year, even if no tax is owed. 
• The due date: within six months after the end of the fiscal year.
• Moreover, you must file within 3 years of the year-end to receive a refund (otherwise it’s statute-barred)

When Must You Pay the Tax Owing?

Filing is one thing, and paying is another. For most corporations, any balance of tax owing must be paid two months after the fiscal year-end.

But there’s a favorable exception for many Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs). Those who qualify for the small business deduction may have three months after year-end to pay. 

Let’s use the Dec 31 example:

• File by June 30, 2026
• Pay by February 28, 2026 (2 months after year-end), unless your corporation qualifies for the 3-month rule (then by March 31, 2026)

It’s important to remember that filing on time does not waive interest or penalties if you pay late. The payment deadline is independent. 

Installment Payments for Corporations

Many corporations must pay tax by installments throughout the year. Instead of waiting until year-end. 

Who Must Pay by Installments?

You generally have to pay corporate tax by instalments if your total taxes payable are more than $3,000 for either the current or the previous year (federal + provincial/territorial). 

You may make these installments monthly or, if eligible, quarterly. Moreover, Instalments are monthly by default; eligible CCPCs can pay quarterly if they meet CRA’s criteria 

When Are Installments Due?

Installments are due throughout your fiscal year, aligning with the schedule (monthly or quarterly). If you underpay your installments, CRA may charge interest or even a penalty for insufficient installments.

Small Business & Self-Employed Deadlines (T1)

Not all taxpayers are formal corporations. If you’re self-employed or run a small business as a sole proprietorship or partnership, your deadlines differ.

Self-Employed & Personal (T1) Filing

• Taxes owing (for individuals with business income): due April 30, 2026
• Filing deadline: June 15, 2026 (yes, later than many individuals). But remember, the interest accrues on any unpaid balance after April 30. 

Small Business Corporations

If your small business is itself incorporated, then:

• You follow the corporate (T2) rules. The six months to file and two/three months to pay depend on whether you qualify as a CCPC.
• You still may have to pay installments.
• You should carefully distinguish personal deadlines (T1) from corporate deadlines; mixing them up is a common trap.

GST/HST, Payroll & Other Deadlines

The frequency of your GST/HST returns depends on your total sales and CRA reporting schedule:

Filing Frequency	Filing Deadline	Payment Deadline
Monthly	End of the next month	Same day
Quarterly	1 month after quarter-end	Same day
Annual (most small businesses)	3 months after year-end	For self-employed, payment due April 30

Other Corporate Forms

Certain corporations have additional information returns due with or after their T2 filing:

• T106: transactions with non-arm’s-length non-residents that are due 6 months after year-end
• T1134: foreign affiliate reporting, due 10 months after year-end
• T5013: partnership information return, due 5 months after year-end

Keeping a checklist for these ensures you don’t miss any hidden deadlines.

Corporate Tax Rates and Planning

According to the corporate tax update. Combined small-business rates (federal + provincial/territorial) range from ~9% (Yukon) up to ~12.2% (e.g., Ontario); general (non-SBD) combined rates range from ~23% (e.g., Alberta) to ~31% depending on the province/territory.

Planning around these rates. For example, by optimizing dividend payments or capital expenses. You can help reduce your final payable amount and avoid surprises at year-end.

Deferrals & Special Relief in 2026

To help businesses, the CRA and provinces announced temporary relief for 2026:

For example:

• CRA may allow corporate income tax and GST/HST payments due between April 2 and June 30, 2026, to be deferred without interest until June 30, 2026.
• Ontario also offers a six-month deferral for specific provincial taxes (like the employer health tax) due between April and October 2026.

However, these relief measures do not extend the filing deadlines. You still need to submit your T2, GST/HST, or payroll filings on time.

Late Filing and Payment Penalties

If you miss a tax filing or payment, the CRA charges:

• Late filing penalty: 5% of the balance owing, plus 1% for each month late (up to 12 months)
• Interest: Compounded daily, starting the day after the due date
• Repeat late filing penalty: 10% of the balance owing plus 2% monthly for up to 20 months.

If you repeatedly file late or fail to make installments, CRA may also flag your account for audit or revoke installment privileges. You can request taxpayer relief if there were valid reasons for the delay. Like illness or disaster.

Summary of Key 2026 Deadlines

Return/Payment Type	Deadline	Notes
T2 Corporate Return	6 months after the fiscal year-end	Dec 31 year-end → June 30, 2026
Corporate Tax Payment	2 or 3 months after year-end	Feb 28 or Mar 31, 2026
GST/HST (Quarterly)	1 month after quarter-end	Q1 → April 30, 2026
Payroll Slips (T4/T4A)	Feb 28, 2026	For the 2024 tax year
Self-Employed Return (T1)	June 15, 2026	Must pay by April 30
Instalment Payments	Monthly or Quarterly	Based on the prior year’s tax

Tips to Ensure You Never Miss a Deadline

1. Use a tax calendar and enter all due dates into your calendar (Google, Outlook, etc.)
2. Set reminders in advance, at least 2–4 weeks before deadlines
3. Track your fiscal year-end carefully, as all your deadlines depend on that
4. Stay up to date on CRA changes (like 2026 deferral announcements)
5. Automate calculations (installment amounts, GST, payroll)
6. Work with professional accountants or tax advisors to help you stay compliant

Understanding your tax filing deadlines helps you avoid penalties, improve cash flow, and keep your business compliant. For most corporations and small businesses, the key is simple:

• Mark your due dates
• Pay on time
• File early, and if in doubt, ask a professional.

If you want personalized help with your T2 return, filings, or payroll compliance, the Bestax Accountants team can guide you through each step. Contact Bestax Canada today to stay ahead of your 2026 tax deadlines and save time, money, and peace of mind.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts