Planning ahead means knowing your 2027 tax obligations today. For the 2026 tax year, self-employed Canadians file by June 15, 2027, with any balance owing due April 30, 2027. Here are all the dates and what to expect.
Core 2027 Tax Deadlines for Self-Employed
| Deadline | Date | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| RRSP contribution (2026 deduction) | March 1, 2027 | Last day to contribute to RRSP and claim against 2026 income |
| Income tax payment | April 30, 2027 | Pay any 2026 income tax balance owing |
| GST/HST payment (annual filers) | April 30, 2027 | Pay 2026 GST/HST balance for December 31 year-end businesses |
| T1 filing (self-employed) | June 15, 2027 | File your 2026 T1 personal income tax return |
| GST/HST return (annual filers) | June 15, 2027 | File your 2026 GST/HST annual return |
2027 Quarterly Instalment Dates
If quarterly instalments are required for 2027 (net tax owing exceeded $3,000 in both 2026 and 2025):
| Instalment | Due Date |
|---|---|
| First | March 15, 2027 |
| Second | June 15, 2027 |
| Third | September 15, 2027 |
| Fourth | December 15, 2027 |
Planning Ahead: What to Do in 2026 for 2027 Tax Season
Set Aside Tax Throughout the Year
Open a dedicated “tax savings” sub-account or separate savings account. Transfer 25–30% of every client payment you receive into this account. By December 31, 2026, you should have most of your April 30, 2027 tax obligation already saved.
Track Revenue Against the GST/HST Threshold
Monitor your four-quarter revenue total each quarter. If you are approaching $30,000 in total taxable supplies, register for GST/HST before you cross the threshold to avoid scrambling mid-invoice.
Maximize RRSP Contributions
Your 2026 RRSP contribution room is 18% of your 2025 net self-employment income (from your 2025 T1 filing). The maximum RRSP dollar limit for 2026 is $33,810. Contributions made between January 1 and March 1, 2027 can be claimed on either your 2026 or 2027 return.
Consider Year-End Tax Planning
Before December 31, 2026:
- Purchase necessary equipment to maximize CCA deductions for the year
- Pay eligible business expenses before December 31 to include them in 2026 deductions
- Review your December instalment to ensure you are not significantly underpaid
- If you plan to incorporate in 2027, review whether making the switch before or after year-end is more tax-efficient with your accountant
Expected 2027 CPP Rates
As of 2026, the CPP rates for 2027 have not yet been announced by the CRA. The YMPE is adjusted annually based on changes in the average wage — expect it to increase modestly from the 2026 level of $74,600. The self-employed contribution rate (11.9%) is expected to remain stable. Check canada.ca in November 2026 for official 2027 CPP figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if April 30, 2027 falls on a weekend?
If April 30, 2027 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the payment deadline shifts to the next business day. Check a calendar closer to the date — for 2027, April 30 falls on a Friday, so no extension applies.
Will the self-employed filing deadline remain June 15 in 2027?
Yes — the June 15 extended filing deadline for self-employed Canadians is a permanent feature of Canadian tax law (section 150 of the Income Tax Act), not a year-specific measure. It applies regardless of the year.
Should I pay my Q4 2026 instalment before or after December 15?
Pay on or before December 15. Paying early avoids instalment interest but does not earn you interest from the CRA. Most accountants recommend paying on the due date via bank’s CRA bill payment to avoid both late payment and overpayment concerns.