If you're self-employed, operate a business, or earn investment income in Canada, you may need to make quarterly tax installment payments to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These payments are due four times per year, typically in March, June, September, and December. The CRA calculates your installment amounts based on your previous tax returns, and if you owe more than a certain threshold (currently $3,000 in federal tax and $3,000 in provincial or territorial tax combined), this CRA rule may apply to you. Planning ahead for these payments helps you avoid penalties, interest charges, and cash flow surprises. Not everyone pays installments. The CRA only requires payments from people whose net tax owing exceeds the threshold mentioned above. Common situations include: - Self-employed individuals with high net business income - Rental property owners with significant rental income - Investors earning substantial capital gains or dividend income - Retirees with large pension or investment payouts - Partners or shareholders in corporations distributing income If you're unsure whether you need to pay installments, check your most recent tax notice of assessment from the CRA. It will state your instalment requirement clearly. The CRA sets installment due dates in advance.
The CRA will notify you in your notice of assessment if you're required to pay installments. Generally, you must pay them if you owed more than $3,000 in combined federal and provincial tax in either of the two previous tax years. Once notified, installments are due starting the following year.
The four 2026 installment due dates are March 16, June 15, September 15, and December 15. Mark these on your calendar now to avoid penalties and interest. Missing a deadline costs you 1.67% per month in late payment penalties.
Yes. If you expect lower income in 2026, you can request a reduction in installment amounts by filing Form T1026 or calling the CRA at 1-800-959-5525. The CRA may approve a lower amount based on your updated income forecast.
Overpaying installments ties up your cash, but you'll receive a refund or credit when you file your 2026 tax return. To avoid overpaying, adjust your installment amounts using the Current Year Method if your income changes significantly during the year.
You can pay online through CRA My Account, by phone, through your bank's bill payment system, or by credit card. Setting up automatic payments removes the stress of remembering due dates each quarter.