Do you have to file a tax return?

You have to file a tax return for 2005 if any of the following applies:

• You have to pay tax for 2005.
• We sent you a request to file a tax return.
• You disposed of property in 2005 (for example, if you sold real estate or shares) or you realized a taxable capital gain (for example, if a mutual fund or trust attributed amounts to you, or you are reporting a capital gains reserve you claimed on your 2004 return).
• You have to pay back any of your Old Age Security or Employment Insurance benefits. See line 235 – Social benefits repayment, for details.
• You have not repaid all of the amounts you withdrew from your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) under the Home Buyers' Plan or the Lifelong Learning Plan. For details, see the RC4135 – Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) or RC4112 – Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) guides.
• You have to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). This can apply if, for 2005, the total of your net self-employment income and pensionable employment income is more than $3,500. See line 222 – Deduction for CPP or QPP contributions on self-employment and other earnings.

Note
Even if none of these requirements applies, you may still want to file a tax return to receive certain benefits and credits. See Benefits of filing a tax return.

When will we pay interest?

We will pay you compound daily interest on your tax refund for 2005. The calculation will start on whichever of the following three dates is latest:

• May 31, 2006;
• the 31st day after you file your tax return; or
• the day after you overpaid your taxes.

Important dates

Generally, your tax return for 2005 has to be filed on or before April 30, 2006.

Note
If you file your tax return after April 30, 2006, your GST/HST credit, Canada Child Tax Benefit (including those from certain related provincial or territorial programs), and Old Age Security benefit payments may be delayed.

Self-employed persons – If you or your spouse or common-law partner carried on a business in 2005 (other than a business whose expenditures are primarily in connection with a tax shelter), your tax return for 2005 has to be filed on or before June 15, 2006. However, if you have a balance owing for 2005, you still have to pay the tax on or before April 30, 2006.

Deceased persons – If you are the legal representative (the executor, administrator, or liquidator) of the estate of an individual who died in 2005, you may have to file a return for 2005 for that individual. See What to do when someone has died for more information.

Note

Forms and publications

• General Income Tax and Benefit Guide
• General Income Tax and Benefit package for 2005
• Preparing Returns for Deceased Persons guide (T4011)
• Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) guide (RC4112)
• Home Buyers' Plan guide (RC4135)

Related topics

• International and non-residents
• line 222 – Deduction for CPP or QPP contributions on self-employment and other earnings
• line 235 – Social benefits repayment