Running a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) gives you tax advantages, but it also brings strict filing and payment deadlines. Missing a deadline can mean penalties, interest, or unwanted CRA attention. This guide explains the deadlines every CCPC owner in Ontario (and across Canada) must track.
1. Your corporate year-end sets all deadlines
Your CCPC’s deadlines are based on the fiscal year-end you choose (not the calendar year). Many small corporations use December 31, but you can choose any date. Once your year-end passes:
- File the T2 within 6 months of year-end.
- Pay taxes within 2–3 months of year-end (see below).
- Make instalments during the year if required.
Internal link suggestion: Learn how year-end planning can reduce CCPC tax.
2. T2 corporate tax return deadline
Due: 6 months after your year-end.
Examples:
- Dec 31 year-end → June 30 filing deadline
- Mar 31 year-end → Sept 30 filing deadline
3. Corporate tax payment deadline (2–3 months)
The payment deadline differs from the filing deadline:
- 3 months after year-end — if the CCPC qualifies for the Small Business Deduction.
- 2 months after year-end — if it does not qualify.
CRA charges interest on unpaid taxes starting the day after the payment deadline.
4. GST/HST filing and payment
Deadlines depend on reporting frequency:
- Annual filers: 3 months after year-end
- Quarterly filers: 1 month after quarter-end
- Monthly filers: 1 month after month-end
Note: instalments are still required when applicable, even for annual filers.
5. Payroll: T4 slips & remittances
If you pay salaries (including paying yourself a salary):
- T4 slips & T4 Summary: due February 28.
- Payroll remittances:
- Monthly filers — due the 15th of the month
- Quarterly filers — due 1 month after the quarter
- Accelerated filers — 3–5 days after pay date (large employers)
6. Dividends: T5 slips
If your CCPC issues dividends you must file T5 slips and a T5 Summary by February 28.
7. WSIB & EHT (Ontario employers)
- Employer Health Tax (EHT) — annual return due March 15. Monthly instalments may be required if payroll is above the exemption.
- WSIB — premiums typically due the 20th of the month following the reporting period; annual reconciliation due in March–April.
8. Corporate instalments
If your corporation owed more than $3,000 in tax last year, CRA expects instalments during the year.
- Usually monthly, sometimes quarterly.
- Interest applies to missed instalments even if you pay the year-end balance later.
9. Shareholder loan repayment deadline (Section 15(2))
If you or a shareholder took a loan from the corporation, it generally must be repaid within one year after the end of the tax year in which the loan was made — otherwise it may be included in the shareholder’s income.
Example: Loan taken July 2025 with Dec 31, 2025 year-end → repay by Dec 31, 2026.
Quick CCPC tax deadlines — at a glance
| Obligation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| T2 Corporate tax return | 6 months after year-end |
| Corporate tax payment | 2–3 months after year-end |
| GST/HST filing | 1–3 months depending on frequency |
| T4 slips & summary | February 28 |
| T5 slips & summary | February 28 |
| Payroll remittances | 15th monthly / quarterly / accelerated |
| EHT (Ontario) | March 15 |
| WSIB premiums | 20th of the following month |
| Shareholder loan repayment | 1 year after the relevant year-end |
Need help staying compliant?
Managing deadlines while running a business is time-consuming. I help CCPC owners across Ontario — including Toronto, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Oakville — with:
- Corporate tax filing & planning
- GST/HST returns & instalments
- Payroll setup, T4/T5 preparation
- Dividend vs salary planning
- CRA correspondence & audit support
Ready for assistance? Book a consultation or email me at [email protected].