The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is once again issuing tax refunds to eligible Canadians in 2025. Whether you’re a full-time employee, self-employed, or retired, your refund depends on several key factors—including how much tax you paid, your eligible deductions, and any credits you’ve claimed.
If you’re preparing to file your 2024 income tax return, now is the perfect time to understand how the CRA refund process works. Filing on time, double-checking your information, and knowing how much you might expect back can make a big difference in planning your financial year.
What Is a CRA Refund?
A CRA refund is issued when you’ve paid more in income taxes throughout the year than you actually owed. This overpayment can happen if your employer deducted too much tax from your paycheck, if you made large quarterly installments as a self-employed individual, or if you qualify for non-refundable tax credits that reduce your total tax liability.
The refund amount varies based on your total income, the deductions and credits you’re entitled to, and how accurately your tax return was filed.
Who Is Eligible for a CRA Refund in 2025?
The good news is that any Canadian who has overpaid taxes may qualify for a refund. But to be certain, you’ll need to evaluate your total income and tax payments against any eligible credits and deductions.
You may qualify for a refund if:
- You filed your 2024 tax return.
- You had income tax deducted from employment, benefits, or pension income.
- You claimed eligible tax credits like the Canada Workers Benefit, tuition amounts, or RRSP contributions.
- You had unused credits or deductions carried forward from previous years.
- Your employer over-deducted taxes throughout the year.
Even if your refund seems small, it’s still your money—and worth claiming.
How Much Will Your CRA Refund Be?
There’s no fixed refund amount. Each person’s refund is calculated using:
- Your total annual income.
- The taxes already paid or withheld from your earnings.
- The deductions and tax credits you’re eligible for.
- Any unpaid federal or provincial balances that the CRA may deduct from your refund.
If you have outstanding debts with the CRA or owe back taxes, part—or even all—of your refund could be used to offset those balances.
CRA Refund Processing Times in 2025
How fast you receive your refund depends on how and when you file:
- Online (NETFILE): Refunds are typically issued within 2 weeks.
- Direct Deposit: Speeds up delivery by 3 to 5 days compared to mailed cheques.
- By Mail: Can take up to 8 weeks.
- Non-Resident Returns: May take up to 16 weeks to process.
To avoid unnecessary delays, sign up for direct deposit through your CRA My Account, and make sure all your personal and financial information is up to date.
When to Expect CRA Refund Payments
Although there’s no fixed refund date, you can estimate based on when you file. The earlier you submit your return, the faster you’ll likely receive your money—especially if filed before the April 30 tax deadline.
Keep in mind:
- Filing after the deadline or with incomplete/inaccurate information can result in delays.
- The Notice of Assessment (NOA) sent after filing is only a preliminary estimate—the refund amount may be adjusted.
If it’s been more than eight weeks since you filed and you haven’t received your refund, it’s time to check in with the CRA.
How to Check Your CRA Refund Status
You can easily track the status of your refund by signing into the CRA’s online portal:
- Go to CRA My Account and log in securely.
- Navigate to the Tax Returns section.
- Click on Refund Status to see updates.
If you’d rather call, you can contact CRA’s refund helpline at 1-800-959-1956. However, they recommend waiting eight weeks after filing before making an inquiry.
Avoiding Refund Delays
Many people experience refund delays due to avoidable mistakes. Here are some quick tips to ensure your refund arrives without unnecessary hassle:
- File your return before April 30, 2025.
- Use NETFILE for faster processing.
- Enroll in direct deposit through your CRA My Account.
- Double-check that your address, SIN, and banking details are accurate.
- Make sure you report all your income sources and deductions properly.
If your refund is taking longer than expected, make sure there are no errors in your personal information or missing documents.
FAQs
Who can receive a CRA refund in 2025?
Any Canadian taxpayer who has overpaid income tax on their 2024 income may be eligible for a refund, depending on deductions, credits, and tax paid.
When will I receive my CRA refund?
Refunds usually arrive within two weeks if you file online and use direct deposit. Filing by mail or as a non-resident may take much longer.
What affects the size of my refund?
Your annual income, tax withheld, and eligibility for deductions or credits all determine the final refund amount.
Can I still get a refund if I owe the CRA money?
If you have debts with the CRA, your refund may be partially or fully applied to cover what you owe.
Do I need to apply for a CRA refund separately?
No. Refunds are automatically calculated and issued after your tax return is processed.
What is the fastest way to get my refund?
Filing your return via NETFILE and signing up for direct deposit is the fastest option.
How do I check my refund status?
Log in to CRA My Account or call 1-800-959-1956 if it’s been more than eight weeks since you filed.
What if I made a mistake in my tax return?
If you’ve already submitted your return and noticed an error, you can request an adjustment online through the CRA portal or by filing a T1 Adjustment Request.
Click here to know more.
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.
