Calgary personal tax rules might not change much year to year, but the small details hiding inside them can hit your wallet hard if you miss them. Walk into any downtown accountant’s office in early spring and you’ll hear the same thing over and over: “I didn’t know I had to report that.” One slip-up or missed credit, and suddenly your refund disappears or worse, you owe.
Picture this: it’s a cold March morning in Kensington. You’ve got last year’s receipts in a shoebox, your T4s in your inbox, and a hot coffee in your hand. The sun’s hitting the frost just right, turning your car’s windshield into a blinding mirror. You’re ready to file but not sure if you’ve thought of everything.
That’s where these twelve questions come in. They won’t solve your taxes, but they’ll make sure you don’t miss what matters.
TL;DR: Things to Check Before You File
- What counts as income this year?
- Have any tax credits changed?
- Did I work remotely or relocate?
- What about CERB, CRB, or other benefits?
- Do I qualify for home office deductions?
- Can I claim moving expenses on my Calgary Personal Tax forms?
- Did I sell crypto, stocks, or property?
- Are there new climate-related incentives?
- Did I contribute to an RRSP or TFSA?
- Do I have self-employment or freelance income?
- What documents do I need to keep?
- Should I file with a professional this time?
What Counts as Income in 2026?
Not everything you earn shows up on a T4. If you picked up freelance gigs, rented out your basement suite, or sold items online, some of that might count as taxable income. This is where side hustles sneak into the picture.
Earnings from contract work, honorariums, and even tips need to be reported. So do certain types of passive income like dividends or interest from Canadian or foreign accounts. Some income is tax-free, like lottery winnings, but those are rare unicorns.
Crypto earnings are still a bit messy. If you sold, traded, or used it to buy anything, it likely triggered a capital gain. The CRA sees it more like property than money, which trips people up every year.
It’s worth noting: inheritance isn’t taxed as income, but what you do with it might lead to tax consequences down the line.
Did Any Credits or Deductions Change?
Calgary Personal Tax rules shift slightly every year. The basics stay put, but thresholds, limits, and credits often creep. A common mistake is assuming what worked last year still applies.
In 2026, the basic personal amount increased slightly to adjust for inflation. So did the Canada Workers Benefit and the Disability Tax Credit. These quiet changes can add up to hundreds if you know they’re there.
There’s also a new top-up for parents using licensed child care. That one came quietly but packs a punch for families with young kids. If you don’t follow CRA news, it’s easy to miss.
One thing to double-check? Provincial credits. Alberta sometimes adjusts things like the Alberta Child and Family Benefit or seniors’ tax breaks without much fanfare.
Did You Work From Home, Or Move?
Remote work changed how lots of people file taxes. If you worked from home for more than 50 percent of the time for at least four consecutive weeks, you may be able to claim part of your utilities, internet, rent, and more.
In past years, there was a flat-rate method. That ended in 2023. Now you’ll need receipts, square footage, and a little math. Many get it wrong.
If you moved for work or school, you might be able to claim moving expenses, but only if the new place is at least 40 km closer to your new job or program. U-Haul costs, temporary lodging, and even meals on the road can count.
People often forget to update their address with CRA. It seems small, but mismatched addresses cause refund delays every single year.
Did You Receive Government Benefits Like CERB?
Some pandemic-era benefits triggered tax confusion that’s still haunting returns. If you received CERB, CRB, or similar supports and didn’t pay back the overpayments, those amounts might be taxable now.
The CRA also started auditing repayment eligibility more aggressively. Keep copies of all notices, especially if you paid anything back voluntarily.
Even newer programs, like the Canada Dental Benefit or one-time housing supplements, might affect your return if you received them in the 2025 calendar year.
Here’s the truth: benefits often show up on slips you weren’t expecting. Miss one, and your numbers don’t match CRA records. That can trigger a review.
Are You Eligible for Home Office Claims in Your Calgary Personal Tax Filings?
If you’re self-employed or run a side business from home, you can claim more than employees can. Think internet, cell phone, mortgage interest, property tax, and more. The key is reasonable allocation.
Let’s say your home office takes up 10 percent of your home. You can’t write off 50 percent of your utility bill just because you use it a lot. The CRA has cracked down on inflated claims.
Keep in mind: shared spaces like the kitchen or living room don’t usually count unless you use them exclusively for business during working hours.
Receipts matter. So do floor plans. This is one of the most audited parts of small business returns.
Can You Claim Moving Expenses?
If you moved in 2025 for work or to attend full-time post-secondary, the CRA may let you claim a wide range of costs. Not just the truck rental.
Eligible expenses include:
- Movers or van rental
- Travel costs for you and your family
- Temporary lodging (hotel stays)
- Meals while on the road
- Costs to cancel a lease or legal fees to buy a new home
To qualify, the new home must be at least 40 km closer to your new job or school. Keep detailed records. One hotel receipt without mileage tracking isn’t enough.
This one trips people up because the rule seems simple, but CRA wants proof. Write down the old and new addresses and measure the distance.
Did You Sell Crypto, Stocks, or Property?
Capital gains are where people make the most mistakes. If you sold shares, flipped a property, or traded Bitcoin for Ethereum, you need to report it.
The CRA taxes 50 percent of the gain. So if you bought a stock for $5,000 and sold it for $8,000, you have a $1,500 taxable gain. Most forget about the transaction costs, which you can deduct on your Calgary Personal Tax filing.
Selling your primary residence is usually tax-free, but you still have to report the sale. It’s a formality, but skipping it leads to penalties.
And crypto? Every trade counts as a disposition. That includes trading one token for another, not just cashing out. There’s no $200 de minimis rule in Canada.
Are There Climate Incentives You Missed?
The federal government keeps rolling out green incentives, and Alberta has its own layers. In 2026, new or enhanced credits may apply for:
- Installing solar panels
- Buying or leasing zero-emission vehicles
- Home energy efficiency upgrades
The key catch? You need to apply through the right channels and keep all invoices. That includes showing the product meets the required specs.
Some programs give money upfront while others come through your tax return. Double-check if you got a rebate or just a quote.
One Calgary couple shared in a 2025 story how they got $6,000 back for a solar install by combining federal and provincial programs. But they almost missed the federal side because their installer didn’t mention it (Source: CBC News).
Did You Contribute to an RRSP or TFSA?
RRSP contributions can lower your taxable income. If you made one before the March 1, 2026 deadline, it counts for the 2025 tax year.
The TFSA doesn’t lower your tax bill, but gains inside it are tax-free. Withdrawals don’t count as income. So if you sold investments from your TFSA, no need to include it on your return.
Be careful not to over-contribute. The penalties are stiff. You can check your RRSP and TFSA room in your CRA My Account.
Here’s a trick: if your income dropped in 2025, consider saving your RRSP deduction for a higher-income year. You can claim it later for a bigger benefit.
Did You Have Self-Employment or Freelance Income?
Freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners face a mountain of extra forms. Income needs to be tracked carefully. So do business expenses.
Receipts for supplies, advertising, phone bills, and travel all need to be categorized. If you use your car for business, track mileage. Not guesses. Actual numbers.
A single missed GST filing can trigger fines. Even if your earnings were low, the CRA expects accuracy.
You also need to pay into CPP yourself. That part stings.
What Tax Documents Do You Need to Keep?
Keep everything for six years. That includes:
- T4, T5, and T3 slips
- RRSP and donation receipts
- Medical bills
- Rent and utility bills (if you claim them)
- Any letter or notice from CRA
Digital copies count as long as they’re clear. Photos on your phone don’t always cut it if they’re blurry.
It’s not just about being ready for an audit. Sometimes CRA loses track of something, and you’ll want proof fast.
Should You Hire a Pro This Year?
If your return includes self-employment, crypto, property sales, or government benefits, a professional might save you more than they cost. Some people go it alone every year and do fine. Others miss thousands without knowing it.
Filing on your own makes sense when your return is simple. Just one job, a couple of receipts, and no surprises.
But if you’re asking, “Should I?” that’s probably the answer.
Contact us to get help with your 2026 personal tax return in Calgary.
The Questions That Matter Most
You can’t fix what you don’t know. These twelve questions aren’t just about checking boxes. They’re about knowing what to look for before the CRA does.
Contact us if you need support with your taxes or want a second look before you file.