Preparing for Your First Tax Season in Canada: T4, T4A, and Essential Documents

Filing your first income tax return in Canada can feel overwhelming, especially if you combine a regular job with gig work. Gathering your documents early in February ensures a smooth process and prevents costly penalties from the CRA.

If you worked as a regular employee, your employer will issue a T4 slip showing your total earnings and taxes already deducted. If you worked as an independent contractor or gig worker (like DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, or freelance cleaning), you will receive a T4A slip or an annual tax summary from the platform. Unlike a T4, no income tax has been withheld from T4A earnings. Make sure to also collect your rent receipts, medical expense invoices, public transit passes, and a complete log of your business expenses (fuel, phone bills, vehicle maintenance) before meeting with an accountant or using tax software.