What's New for the 2025 Tax Season & Important Dates
- Laura Wilson
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
It's TIMMMMEEEE! With the new year comes the new tax season aka my time to shine.
Here's what you need to know for a smooth 2025 tax season.
Important Dates
What's New
Basic Personal Amount Increases
The basic personal amount credit for 2025 is $16,126 and it has increased to $16,452 for 2026. This is how much income you can make before you pay tax.
Decrease in Tax Bracket Percentages
The federal tax percentage for the first tax bracket ($0-$57,375) has decreased from 15% to 14.5%.
Alberta also created a new lower tax bracket of 8% for income from $0-$60,000.
Decrease to Credit Rate
Just as the federal brackets decreased your federal income tax the decrease in the credit match from 15% to 14.5% decreases how much of your credits get used towards your tax payable. The greater the percentage = the greater tax benefit.
The government is currently in talks to install a 'Top-Up Tax Credit' that will change this back to 15% so the value of our credits doesn't diminish.
No More Phone Registration for GST/HST
If you are a business owner and you need to register for GST/HST you can no longer do this via the phone. As of November 2025 your only option now is to register online. You can find more information HERE.
You Must Add a Registered Representative Yourself
Prior to July 15, 2025 I use to be able to send you an authorization form to sign that would then allow me to talk to CRA on your behalf and get your tax slips. In an attempt to decrease fraud CRA has disallowed this form. Now to add a representative you must login to your CRA My Account, click 'Representatives' and add a RepID.
*If you do not have a CRA My Account you may qualify for an alternate method however, most people must now add a representative themselves online.
Regain Access to your CRA My Account Online
If you are locked out of your CRA account or forgot your sign-in information, you can now regain access online – without having to call CRA.
To regain access:
Go to Sign in to your CRA account
Under "Help," select "Your account is locked"
Follow the on-screen steps
Introduction of the Canada Disability Benefit
This new federal program was introduced in July 2025. If you qualify it provides up to $200 monthly ($2,400/year) in direct financial support to low-income working-age Canadians (18-64) with an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) who have filed their taxes. Eligibility depends on your age, DTC approval, filing tax returns, residency, and meeting specific income thresholds. For more information and to apply go HERE.
Expansion of the Disability Supports Deduction
Under proposed changes, the list of eligible expenses for the disability supports deduction has been expanded. You can find more information HERE.
Northern Residents Deductions Reclassification
The islands of Haida Gwaii have been reclassified as a prescribed northern zone for 2025 and future years.
For a list of changes for each province you can find them here:
Want my help?
I am currently accepting new clients. I'd be happy to hop on a complimentary, no-obligation Zoom call with you to discuss your tax situation in more detail, answer your questions, and get you a quote for my services.
To book go to the booking calendar and select Personal Tax Filing.
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