Penalty calculator

Late filing penalty calculator

The penalty depends on the balance owing and how many full months late the return is. Enter both to see the penalty, and an estimate of the interest that runs alongside it.

2026 figures

Which return
Penalized for filing late in the last three years, after a demand to file?

Estimate

Penalty rate8%
Late filing penalty$400.00
Interest on the balance, 91 days at 7%$88.02
Penalty and interest$488.02

With no balance owing there is no late filing penalty on an income tax return, though filing late can still delay refunds, benefits and credits.

What this does not cover. The income tax figures apply to individuals and corporations, though a large corporation can face a further penalty even with no balance owing. Interest is estimated at the current quarter's rate; in practice the rate changes each quarter and interest also runs on the penalty. Penalties can sometimes be cancelled under taxpayer relief. This is an estimate for planning, not advice for your situation and not a filing.

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What is the CRA penalty for filing late?

For an income tax return, 5% of the balance owing plus 1% for each full month late, up to 12 months. A repeat late filing within three years, after a demand to file, costs 10% plus 2% a month for up to 20 months. For a GST/HST return it is 1% of the amount owing plus a quarter of that for each full month, up to 12 months.

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