CRA Payment Dates 2026: Your Guide to Tax Deadlines and Benefit Schedules

Navigating the deadlines and payment schedules set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is crucial for managing your finances. This guide gives a clear overview of the key CRA payment dates 2026, covering both payments you make to the CRA, such as tax instalments and final tax payments, and benefit payments you may receive throughout the year. Knowing these dates helps you file on time, avoid penalties, and budget for incoming benefits. Last updated: October 2026.

Your Tax Obligations: Deadlines and Instalments

Meeting your tax obligations means knowing when to file your return and when to pay any amount owing. The deadlines can vary depending on your employment status.

Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadlines

For most Canadians, the deadline to file the 2025 income tax and benefit return was April 30, 2026, and any balance owing for 2025 was due on the same date. The next deadline is April 30, 2027, for your 2026 return and any balance owing. If you have not filed your 2025 return yet, file as soon as possible: late-filing penalties and interest apply to amounts owing, and filing late can delay your benefit payments.

If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, the deadline to file your return is extended to June 15 (June 15, 2027 for your 2026 return). Your payment is still due on April 30, even though the filing deadline is later.

Required Tax Instalment Dates

Some individuals must pay their income tax in instalments throughout the year instead of as one lump sum. This usually applies if your net tax owing exceeded $3,000 ($1,800 for Quebec residents) in both the current year and either of the two preceding years. For 2026, the CRA instalment payments are due on:

March 15, 2026: first instalment (March 15 fell on a Sunday, so a payment made on March 16 was on time).
June 15, 2026: second instalment.
September 15, 2026: third instalment.
December 15, 2026: fourth instalment, which is the next one due.

Paying your instalments on time helps you avoid interest charges on unpaid amounts. For 2027, the instalment dates follow the same pattern: March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15.

Key CRA Benefit Payment Dates in 2026

Beyond tax obligations, many Canadians receive regular payments through the CRA. These are the official 2026 dates, with the payments still to come in the second half of the year:

Quarterly and Monthly Benefits

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit): January 5, April 2 (GST/HST credit), July 3 and October 5 (CGEB). The next payments are expected in January and April 2027. See our GST/HST credit guide.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB): paid monthly; the remaining 2026 dates are October 20, November 20 and December 11. See our CCB guide.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): paid around the 10th of each month; the remaining 2026 dates are November 10 and December 10. See our OTB guide.
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit: January 12, July 10 and October 9, 2026.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit: February 27, May 27, August 27 and November 27, 2026.

The Canada Carbon Rebate no longer has regular payment dates: the final regular payment was issued on April 22, 2025. See our Canada Carbon Rebate page for what remains.

Payments for Seniors and Contributors

Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments are issued by Service Canada near the end of each month. The remaining 2026 dates are October 28, November 26 and December 22. See our OAS and CPP guides.

Important Information About Receiving Your Payments

Keeping your information up to date with the CRA helps you receive your payments smoothly.

Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to receive your CRA payments, including tax refunds and benefits. Since March 24, 2025, you can no longer sign up for or update your direct deposit information by phone or through EFILE software. You can still manage your direct deposit details through your CRA My Account, your Canadian financial institution, or by submitting a form by mail.

Using CRA My Account and What To Do If Payments Are Late

Your CRA My Account lets you see expected payment dates and amounts, update your address, manage direct deposit and sign up for payment reminders. If a payment does not arrive on the scheduled date, the CRA advises waiting 5 working days for the Canada Child Benefit and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, and 10 working days for most other benefits, before contacting them.

Staying informed about the CRA payment dates 2026 is essential for meeting your tax responsibilities and planning around the benefits you receive. Keep your direct deposit information current, file your return on time every year, and use CRA My Account to track your payments. For every federal and provincial benefit in one place, see our complete benefit payment calendar.