Tax season is in full swing, and for many Canadians, that means one thing—a refund is on the way. Every year, thousands of Canadians qualify for a refund from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) after filing their tax returns. If you’ve already submitted your return or are about to, it’s time to check if you’re eligible, when to expect your money, and how to track the status of your refund.
What Is the CRA Refund and Why Does It Matter?
When you pay more in taxes than what you owe, the CRA refunds the extra amount back to you. Overpayments can happen in various ways—maybe your employer deducted more income tax from your salary than required, or maybe you overpaid through quarterly tax installments as a self-employed individual.
This refund can be a valuable financial boost. Whether it’s a few hundred dollars or several thousand, the refund depends on your income, eligible deductions, tax credits, and how much tax you’ve already paid during the year.
Who Is Eligible to Receive a CRA Tax Refund in 2025?
Eligibility for a CRA refund hinges on how much you paid in taxes compared to your actual liability. After submitting your 2024 tax return, the CRA calculates whether you overpaid. If so, you’re entitled to a refund.
Here’s what determines your eligibility:
- Taxable Income: The higher your income, the more you might have paid in taxes—though this doesn’t always mean a refund.
- Tax Credits and Deductions: These can significantly lower your taxable income, increasing your chance of receiving a refund.
- Dependents: Having dependents can qualify you for more tax credits.
- Excess Withholding: If your employer withheld too much tax from your paychecks, that excess comes back to you.
- Quarterly Installments: Self-employed individuals often overestimate their payments, leading to potential refunds.
The CRA may offset your refund if you owe money to any government agency—like unpaid taxes, student loans, or other debts.
When Will CRA Refunds Be Issued in 2025?
The CRA aims to issue refunds as quickly as possible, but the timing depends on how and when you file:
- NETFILE with Direct Deposit: Refunds usually arrive within 8 to 14 business days.
- NETFILE with Mailed Check: Add another 3 to 5 days for mailing.
- Paper Filing: Refunds may take up to 8 weeks.
- Non-resident Filers: Refunds can take up to 16 weeks if you live outside Canada.
Filing early and using direct deposit is the fastest route to getting your refund.
What Is the Express NOA?
If you’ve received a Notice of Assessment (NOA) shortly after filing your return, it’s most likely an Express NOA—a preliminary summary of your taxes. It gives you an estimate of your refund, but the actual processing may still take time. This means even if the NOA says you’re getting a refund soon, you’ll need to wait until CRA fully finalizes your return.
How to Check the Status of Your CRA Refund
You can monitor your refund status in several ways, but the CRA recommends waiting at least 8 weeks before reaching out if you filed by mail. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
- CRA My Account: Log in to your account on the CRA website to check refund status, update direct deposit details, or view past tax information.
- Telephone Inquiry: Call CRA’s automated line at 1-800-959-1956 for real-time updates.
- Mail Notifications: If you’re receiving your refund by cheque, you will get a notification when it’s issued.
Be sure your address, contact information, and direct deposit details are accurate to avoid delays.
Tips to Avoid Delays in Receiving Your Refund
Delays are more common than you might think, and often, they’re preventable. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- File your taxes before April 30 to avoid backlogs.
- Double-check personal information like your SIN, address, and bank details.
- Include all income sources and deductions to avoid review-related delays.
- Use CRA-certified software if you’re filing electronically.
- Avoid filing duplicate returns, which can cause confusion and hold up processing.
Even one small error on your tax return can delay your refund for weeks.
CRA Refunds Are Not Automatic for Everyone
Some Canadians assume they’ll automatically receive a refund just because they file a return—but that’s not always the case. If you haven’t claimed all the available credits or if you didn’t pay excess taxes, you may not receive a refund. That’s why it’s essential to know your eligibility and file accurately.
Don’t forget—if you’re eligible for refundable tax credits like the GST/HST credit, Canada Workers Benefit, or Canada Child Benefit, they’ll be processed separately from your refund.
FAQs
Who is eligible for a CRA refund in 2025?
Any Canadian who overpaid taxes on their 2024 income and files a return by the deadline may be eligible for a refund.
How long does it take to receive a CRA refund?
Online filers using direct deposit typically receive refunds within 8–14 business days. Paper filers can expect up to 8 weeks.
What’s the fastest way to get my CRA refund?
File online through NETFILE and sign up for direct deposit in CRA My Account for the fastest refund.
Can I track my refund online?
Yes, you can log in to CRA My Account to check your refund status and update your banking info.
What if I get a Notice of Assessment but no refund?
The Express NOA is only a preliminary estimate. The final refund arrives after full processing.
Will CRA take money from my refund if I owe other debts?
Yes, if you owe money to government programs like student loans or taxes, CRA may apply your refund toward those debts.
Can non-residents get a CRA refund?
Yes, but refunds for non-residents can take up to 16 weeks to process.
Is the refund amount the same for everyone?
No, the refund amount varies based on income, credits, deductions, and how much tax you paid throughout the year.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
