Late filing penalty calculator Canada
Estimate CRA late-filing penalty and interest exposure using public penalty rules.
Estimate CRA late-filing penalty and interest exposure using public penalty rules.
Estimate CRA late-filing penalty and interest exposure using public penalty rules.
Estimate the cost of filing your 2025 Canadian tax return after April 30, 2026. Based on the CRA's 5% upfront + 1% per month formula. Need the deadline rules? Read our 2026 tax deadline guide →
Worked example
A first-time late filer who owes $3,500 and files 3 months after April 30 pays a $175 initial penalty (5%) plus $105 in monthly penalties (1% × 3 months) — $280 in penalties before interest. CRA charges interest on top at roughly 8% annually, adding about $69 for those 90 days, for a total cost of roughly $349 — just under 10% of the original balance. A repeat offender in the same situation pays double on both penalty rates: $350 initial (10%) plus $210 monthly (2% × 3), before interest.
Calculate the CRA late filing penalty and compounding interest if you miss the April 30, 2026 tax deadline. The penalty is 5% of balance owing + 1% per month (max 12 months), doubled for repeat offenders.
Q
What is the CRA late filing penalty for 2026?
A
If you owe tax and file late, CRA charges 5% of the balance owing plus 1% per month for up to 12 months — a maximum of 17%. Repeat late filers (penalized in any of the prior 3 years) pay double: 10% + 2% per month, max 34%. On top of that, interest compounds daily at the prescribed rate (~10% in 2026).
Last reviewed 2026-04-21