With Canada’s April 30 tax-filing deadline looming, a growing number of Canadians are experiencing confusion and hesitation about filing on time — thanks largely to recent tax policy changes and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming federal election.
A new survey by H&R Block Canada reveals that 29% of Canadians feel unsure about what they’re supposed to claim on their taxes this year. Even more striking? 28% are actively planning to delay filing due to the overwhelming confusion.
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Mixed Messages from the Government Add to Filing Anxiety
Yannick Lemay, tax expert at H&R Block, attributes this confusion to a series of recent government announcements. Among the most cited causes:
- Updates to capital gains tax rules
- The cancellation of the Canada Carbon Rebate
- Filing deadline extensions granted to certain Canadians due to delays in income reporting forms
“It’s clear that many Canadians are confused by the recent announcements on tax-related issues from the government and the CRA,” Lemay said in a press release.
Federal Election Sparks Speculation — But the Deadline Still Stands
One surprising finding? 22% of Canadians expect the April 30 deadline to be extended due to the federal election scheduled for April 28. However, tax experts are urging Canadians not to count on that.
“While the federal election may lead to tax-related changes going forward, this will not impact your tax filing for this year,” Lemay emphasized. “Canadians are still obligated to file before the April 30 deadline to avoid penalties — even if they don’t owe anything to the CRA.”
Despite this, 7% of respondents said they are waiting for election results to see if further changes will occur, while another 7% admit they may miss the deadline altogether as they struggle to understand the new tax rules.
Confidence Levels Low as Canadians Fear Errors and Missed Opportunities
Adding to the tension, 15% of early filers worry they may have submitted incorrect information due to the mid-season tax changes. Even more concerning:
- 40% were unaware of any mid-season income tax filing changes
- 37% don’t feel confident in knowing how to maximize their refund
- 36% are unsure of which tax credits or deductions apply to their employment
- 20% believe they’ve missed out on valuable tax benefits altogether
Financial Pressure Mounts as Tax Refunds Become a Lifeline
The uncertainty comes at a time when financial stress is already high. A separate study from Remolino and Associates Inc. and Angus Reid found that 65% of Canadians are worried about how tax policies will affect their financial future.
This fear may be fueled by the reality that 25% plan to use their tax refund to pay off debt.
“At a time when every dollar counts, our data shows that many Canadians are not only struggling with debt, but also unsure of where to turn to for help,” said Francisco Remolino, principal at Remolino and Associates. “The combination of rising costs and low tax literacy makes this season especially stressful for individuals, families, and business owners.”
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What Canadians Want from the Next Government
In the same study, Canadians were asked what tax-related priorities they’d like to see the next federal government focus on:
- 39% want lower income taxes
- 23% favor increased tax credits for families and individuals
- 18% are calling for a reduction in GST/HST
Bottom Line: File On Time, Even if You’re Unsure
While the chaos of new tax rules and political speculation is unsettling, experts agree on one thing: file your taxes by April 30, regardless of what’s happening in Ottawa.
If you’re confused, don’t wait until it’s too late. Seek advice from a tax professional, use certified tax software, or consult the CRA’s resources to ensure you’re not missing out — or setting yourself up for penalties.
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