A little preparation helps.

Build one complete picture.

Preparing for your personal tax return means gathering more than a single employment slip. Income, expenses and changes in your life may all matter. Start with a folder for the tax year and a short list of questions you want to discuss.

Tell your preparer about a move, a change in marital status, a new dependant, self-employment, rental activity or income from outside Canada. These details help identify the information your return may need.

Collect income information.

Gather the tax slips relevant to your circumstances—for example, employment, pension, investment or tuition slips. If you have business or rental income, prepare the associated income and expense records as well.

Check your expected slips against those received. CRA notes that slips available through Auto-fill My Return may not yet include everything; compare them with records from employers and other issuers. Tell your preparer if a slip appears to be missing or incorrect rather than assuming a downloaded set is complete.

Keep support for potential claims.

Depending on your situation, useful records may include:

• RRSP contribution receipts and information about your available deduction room.
• Charitable donation receipts.
• Medical expense receipts and details of any reimbursements.
• Childcare receipts and information about the provider.
• Tuition records and relevant education information.
• Supporting records for employment, business or other expenses you want to discuss.

Having a receipt does not automatically make an expense deductible or eligible for a credit. Your preparer can assess the applicable rules and any further information needed.

Bring context from the previous year.

Your previous return, latest notice of assessment and relevant CRA correspondence can help your preparer understand the starting point. Flag outstanding questions, adjustments or requests for information.

For couples and families, coordinate the information gathering while recognizing that each taxpayer has an individual return. CRA’s marital-status guidance explains the information about a spouse or common-law partner that may be needed.

Agree on the next step.

Ask what else is needed, how documents should be delivered and how the firm will contact you about questions. Do not email identity or financial documents until a suitable delivery method has been arranged.

Keep your supporting records after filing. Electronic filing does not remove the need to retain documents that CRA may later request.