What is a Tax Return Accountant?
A tax return accountant is a licensed financial professional who prepares, reviews, and files income tax returns for individuals and businesses in Canada. At UBM Tax Associates in Ottawa, our Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) specialize in navigating Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements to ensure accurate filing and maximum refunds.
Unlike DIY tax software, a qualified tax return accountant provides personalized guidance on deductions, credits, and tax planning strategies specific to your financial situation—whether you are an employee, self-employed professional, or incorporated business owner in Ottawa and across Ontario.
Why Canadians Choose Professional Tax Return Accountants:
- CRA Compliance: Avoid penalties, interest charges, and audit risks
- Maximized Refunds: Identify overlooked deductions and credits
- Time Savings: Focus on your work while we handle complex CRA forms
- Year-Round Support: Tax planning advice beyond filing season
- Local Expertise: Understanding of Ontario provincial credits and Ottawa business regulations
2026 Canadian Tax Filing Deadlines
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced key dates for the 2026 tax filing season. Working with a tax return accountant ensures you never miss these critical deadlines:
| Deadline | Who It Applies To | Details |
|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2026 | All Canadian filers | NETFILE opens for 2025 tax year returns |
| March 2, 2026 | Employers/Payers | T4 and T5 information slips filing deadline |
| March 2, 2026 | RRSP contributors | Last day to contribute for 2025 tax year deduction |
| March 31, 2026 | Trusts | T3 trust returns due (calendar year-end trusts) |
| April 30, 2026 | Most individuals | T1 personal income tax filing and payment deadline |
| June 15, 2026 | Self-employed individuals | Extended filing deadline (payment still due April 30) |
| Six months after year-end | Corporations | T2 corporate income tax return filing |
Important CRA Changes for 2026:
- No automatic mailing of tax packages: The CRA will no longer proactively mail income tax packages to Canadians. You must download forms online or request them starting January 20, 2026.
- Backup multi-factor authentication required: Starting February 2026, CRA My Account users must have a backup MFA option on file.
- Digital notices of assessment: Starting February 2026, you can only view your NOA digitally through CRA My Account.
- NETFILE access code: Now accessible directly in your CRA account under “tax returns.”
Late Filing Penalties:
If you owe taxes and miss the April 30 deadline, the CRA charges a 5% penalty on the balance owing plus 1% for each full month the return is late (up to 12 months). Interest compounds daily on unpaid balances.
Types of Tax Returns Managed by Canadian Accountants
Our tax return accountants at UBM Tax Associates handle all categories of CRA tax filings:
Personal Income Tax Returns (T1)
Individual income tax returns require reporting employment income, investment earnings, rental income, and eligible deductions. Our accountants maximize credits including:
- Basic Personal Amount ($16,129 for 2025)
- Canada Employment Amount
- Medical Expense Tax Credit
- Charitable Donation Tax Credits
- RRSP Deduction (contribution limit: $32,490 for 2025)
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA) contributions
- Canada Caregiver Credit
- Disability Tax Credit
- Climate Action Incentive Payment (Ontario residents)
- Ontario Trillium Benefit
Corporate Income Tax Returns (T2)
Canadian-resident corporations must file T2 returns within six months of their fiscal year-end—even if no tax is owed. Our business tax return accountants assist with:
- Small Business Deduction (SBD) eligibility for CCPCs
- Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) optimization
- Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits
- Ontario Small Business Tax Rate (3.2%)
- Dividend planning and integration
- Inter-company transaction compliance
Corporate Tax Payment Deadlines:
- Most corporations: 2 months after fiscal year-end
- CCPCs claiming Small Business Deduction: 3 months after fiscal year-end
Partnership Information Returns (T5013)
Partnerships operating in Canada require T5013 information returns. Filing deadlines depend on partner composition:
- All individual partners: March 31 following the fiscal year-end
- Corporate partners: 5 months after fiscal year-end
We ensure proper income allocation among partners and full CRA compliance.
Trust Returns (T3)
Family trusts, testamentary trusts, and estate returns require T3 filings within 90 days of the trust’s tax year-end. Our accountants manage beneficiary allocations, calculate tax owing, and ensure timely filing.
GST/HST Returns
Businesses collecting Goods and Services Tax (5%) or Harmonized Sales Tax (13% in Ontario) must file returns based on their reporting period:
- Monthly filers: Due one month after reporting period
- Quarterly filers: Due one month after quarter-end
- Annual filers: Due three months after fiscal year-end
We handle Input Tax Credit optimization, voluntary registration assessments, and Quick Method elections.
Non-Resident Tax Returns
Non-residents earning Canadian income require specialized filings:
- NR4 slips: For income subject to Part XIII withholding tax
- Section 216 election (T1159): For non-residents electing to file on net rental income
- Section 217 election: For non-residents receiving certain Canadian pension income
Our tax return accountants guide non-residents through their Canadian tax obligations and applicable treaty benefits.
Why Ottawa Trusts UBM Tax Associates
CPA-Certified Professionals
Our team holds Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designations regulated by CPA Ontario. This certification ensures you receive advice grounded in professional ethics, continuous education requirements, and technical competence in Canadian tax law.
Local Ottawa Expertise
Located at 170 Harbour View Street in Ottawa, we understand the unique needs of Ontario taxpayers. From provincial tax credits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit to Ottawa business regulations, our accountants provide region-specific guidance.
Transparent Pricing
We discuss fees upfront before engagement. Our pricing reflects the complexity of your tax situation—no surprise invoices or hidden charges. We provide written quotes for all services.
Secure Data Handling
Your financial information is protected through encrypted systems and strict confidentiality protocols. We adhere to CPA Canada’s privacy guidelines and meet all CRA electronic filing security standards.
Year-Round Availability
Tax questions arise throughout the year—not just during filing season. UBM Tax provides ongoing support for tax planning, CRA correspondence, notices of reassessment, and financial decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Return Accountants in Canada
How much does a tax return accountant cost in Canada?
Tax return accountant fees in Canada typically range from $100-$300 for simple personal returns (T1) and $400-$1,500+ for corporate returns (T2). Complex situations involving multiple income sources, rental properties, self-employment income, or foreign income may increase costs. At UBM Tax, we provide transparent quotes based on your specific tax situation before beginning any work.
What is the difference between a tax preparer and a CPA tax accountant?
A tax preparer may complete basic returns using software with minimal training. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) holds professional credentials regulated by CPA Canada, understands Canadian tax law intricacies, can represent you before the CRA, and provides strategic tax planning advice beyond simple filing. CPAs must complete ongoing professional development and adhere to strict ethical standards.
When should I hire a tax return accountant instead of filing myself?
Consider hiring a tax return accountant if you:
- Are self-employed or own an incorporated business
- Have rental income or investment properties
- Received T3, T5, or T5008 slips from multiple sources
- Experienced major life changes (marriage, separation, death of spouse)
- Have income from multiple provinces or foreign sources
- Received a CRA audit notice, reassessment, or request for information
- Want to maximize RRSP, TFSA, or FHSA contribution strategies
- Need help with prior-year unfiled returns
Can a tax return accountant help if I have unfiled tax returns?
Yes. Our accountants assist with back-tax filings for multiple years and Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) applications. Filing overdue returns prevents further penalties, stops interest from accumulating, and may qualify you for benefits you have been missing including the GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit.
What documents do I need to provide my tax return accountant?
Essential documents for Canadian tax filing include:
- T4 slips (employment income)
- T4A slips (pension, retirement, or other income)
- T5 slips (investment income—interest, dividends)
- T3 slips (trust income)
- T5008 slips (securities transactions)
- T2202 (tuition and education amounts)
- RRSP contribution receipts
- TFSA and FHSA contribution records
- Charitable donation receipts (official CRA receipts only)
- Medical expense receipts
- Childcare expense receipts (for eligible providers)
- Rental income and expense statements
- Business income and expense records (self-employed)
- Previous year’s Notice of Assessment (NOA)
- CRA correspondence received during the year
What is the penalty for filing taxes late in Canada?
If you owe taxes and file after April 30, the CRA charges:
- Late-filing penalty: 5% of balance owing + 1% per month late (maximum 12 months)
- Repeat late filers: 10% of balance owing + 2% per month late (maximum 20 months)
- Interest: Compounded daily on unpaid balance starting May 1
Filing on time even if you cannot pay avoids the late-filing penalty.
Schedule Your Tax Return Consultation Today
Do not navigate Canadian tax regulations alone. Our Ottawa-based tax return accountants are ready to handle your personal or business tax filing needs with precision and care.
