Personal Tax Return Checklist: Everything You Need for T1 Filing

Income Slips

Gather every income slip you received during the tax year. The most common are T4 (employment income), T4A (pension, self-employment, other income), T5 (investment income), T3 (trust income), and T5008 (securities transactions). Missing a slip is the most common CRA audit trigger for personal returns.

• T4: Employment income from each employer you worked for during the year.
• T4A: Pension, self-employment commissions, annuity, or other income.
• T5: Dividends and interest income from investments.
• T3: Income from mutual funds and trusts.
• T5008: Securities transactions — capital gains and losses.
• T4E: Employment Insurance benefits received.

RRSP and Investment Records

RRSP contribution receipts arrive from your financial institution by March. Your RRSP deduction limit appears on your prior year's Notice of Assessment. TFSA contributions are not deductible but track your contribution room to avoid over-contribution penalties.

• RRSP receipts: Contributions made by March 1 count for the prior tax year.
• RRSP deduction limit: Found on your prior year Notice of Assessment.
• TFSA room: Track contributions to avoid 1% per month over-contribution penalty.
• Capital gains records: Adjusted cost base (ACB) for all investment dispositions.

Employment Deductions

Employees can claim certain employment expenses if they have a signed T2200 from their employer. Home office expenses require working from home more than 50% of the time. Union dues and professional fees are also deductible.

• T2200: Signed by employer — required for home office and vehicle expense claims.
• Home office: Portion of rent, utilities, internet based on workspace size.
• Vehicle expenses: Employment-use portion with a detailed mileage log.
• Union/professional dues: Annual membership fees for required professional associations.

Medical and Disability

Medical expenses exceeding 3% of net income (or $2,479, whichever is less) are deductible. The disability tax credit (DTC) requires Form T2201 certified by a medical practitioner. Collect all medical receipts including prescriptions, dental, vision, and specialist visits.

• Medical receipts: Prescriptions, dental, vision, specialist visits, travel for medical care.
• Disability tax credit: Form T2201 certified by a medical practitioner — may be transferable.
• Threshold: Expenses exceeding 3% of net income or $2,479 (whichever is less).
• 12-month period: Any 12-month period ending in the tax year can be claimed.

Family and Education

Childcare expenses, tuition (T2202), and the Canada Child Benefit are key family-related tax items. Tuition can be transferred to a parent or carried forward. Moving expenses are deductible if you moved for work or education.

• Childcare receipts: Daycare, camps, before/after school programs — receipts with provider SIN.
• T2202: Tuition tax slip from post-secondary institutions.
• Moving expenses (T1-M): Deductible if moving 40km+ closer to work or school.
• Child fitness/art credits: Provincial credits may apply — check Alberta provisions.

Self-Employment and Rental Income

Self-employed individuals file T2125 (business income) and landlords file T776 (rental income). Both require detailed expense tracking with supporting receipts. These schedules are the #1 CRA audit trigger for personal returns — documentation is critical.

• T2125: Statement of Business or Professional Activities — all income and expenses.
• T776: Statement of Real Estate Rentals — rental income and property expenses.
• Receipts: Every expense claim needs a receipt — bank statements alone aren't sufficient.
• Home office (business): Business-use-of-home expenses calculated by floor area percentage.
• Vehicle log: Mileage log required for vehicle expense claims — CRA will ask.

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