Here’s a checklist for all the documents, slips, and receipts you might need to file your personal income tax in Canada, organized by category for easy reference:

1. Identification and Personal Information

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Birth Date
  • Legal name change documents (if applicable)
  • Address information (updated address, if moved during the year)

2. Income Documents

Employment Income

  • T4 Slips (Statement of Remuneration Paid)
  • T4A Slips (Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income)
  • T4E Slips (Employment Insurance Benefits)
  • T4RSP Slips (Registered Retirement Savings Plan income)
  • T4RIF Slips (Registered Income Fund income)
  • T4A(P) (Canada Pension Plan benefits)
  • T5007 (Social Assistance or Workers’ Compensation)

Self-Employment Income

  • Records of all business income (invoices, receipts, contracts, etc.)
  • Expense records (including receipts and statements for business expenses)

Investment Income

  • T5 Slips (Statement of Investment Income)
  • T3 Slips (Statement of Trust Income Allocations and Designations)
  • T5008 (Statement of Securities Transactions)

Rental Income

  • Detail of rental income (rent receipts, rental agreements)
  • Detail of rental expenses (Mortgage interest, property tax, insurance, repair, utilities etc.)

Other Income

  • T4A (Other income like scholarships, fellowships, or grants)
  • Alimony or child support payments (if applicable)
  • Income from foreign sources (Foreign income statements)

3. Deductions and Credits

RRSP Contributions

  • RRSP Contribution Receipts
  • Past contributions (carry forward amounts from previous years)

Child and Family Credits

  • Child care receipts
  • Receipts for daycare, babysitters, or after-school programs
  • Children’s fitness or arts expenses receipts

Medical Expenses

  • Receipts for medical expenses (pharmacy, dental, vision, etc.)
  • Out-of-pocket medical services or treatments
  • Prescription drugs and medical devices receipts

Home Office Expenses

  • Home office setup and operating expenses (e.g., internet, phone, utilities)
  • Receipts for office supplies, equipment, software

Charitable Donations

  • Receipts for charitable donations
  • Donation slips for registered charities (cash and non-cash donations)

Education and Tuition

  • T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate)
  • Receipts for tuition, books, or student fees
  • Interest paid on student loans (T4A or statements from financial institutions)

Other Deductible Expenses

  • Union and professional dues
  • Moving expenses (if you moved for work)
  • Receipts for interest on loans used for investment purposes
  • Receipts for child support payments

4. Taxable Benefits and Other Information

  • T4A(P) (Pension benefits, if applicable)
  • T4A(OAS) (Old Age Security)
  • T4E (Employment Insurance benefits)
  • T5007 (Workers’ compensation or social assistance benefits)

5. Investment and Property Information

  • Records for buying or selling investments (stocks, bonds, real estate)
  • Capital gains or losses documentation
  • Rental income details, if applicable

6. Tax Prepaid or Withholding Information

  • CRA My Account for your previous year’s carry-forward amounts
  • Tax instalment receipts (if applicable)
  • Employer withholding tax receipts (if different from T4)

7. Other Supporting Documents

  • Previous Year’s Tax Return (to carry forward unused amounts like RRSPs, tax credits, and losses)
  • Proof of payment for any outstanding tax debts
  • Documents related to tax adjustments from the CRA (if applicable)

8. Other Miscellaneous Receipts

  • Interest statements for personal loans, credit lines, or mortgages
  • Receipts for insurance premiums (for business or other purposes)
  • Property tax bills (if claiming a property tax credit)
  • Real estate transaction documents (if buying or selling a home)