Income Tax Instalment Payment Due Dates

Individuals in Canada who are required to pay their income tax by instalments must make payments to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by certain quarterly due dates throughout the year. These instalments help cover your estimated tax owing for the current year as you earn income.

📅 Standard Instalment Due Dates

For most individuals who must pay tax by instalments for the tax year, the due dates are:

  • March 15
  • June 15
  • September 15
  • December 15

When any of these dates fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or a public holiday recognized by the CRA, your payment is considered on time if it is received on the next business day.

⚠️ Interest and Penalty Charges

If instalment payments are late or insufficient, you may be charged instalment interest and penalty charges by the CRA. You can calculate these charges using information from the CRA’s official guidance.

🚜 Exceptions to Quarterly Instalments

Farmers and Fishers

If your main source of income comes from farming or fishing, you are generally exempt from the four quarterly instalments listed above. Instead:

  • You make one instalment payment per year.
  • The payment is due by December 31 of the current tax year.

Individuals Who Die During the Year

If an individual who is required to pay tax by instalments dies during the year, any instalment payments due on or after the date of death are not required.

💡 How Instalment Payments Work

Instalment payments are periodic payments that reduce the amount of tax owed when you file your annual return. You may have to pay instalments if you:

  • Are self‑employed, or have significant income not subject to tax withholding.
  • Have rental income, investment income, or certain pension income where tax isn’t fully withheld.
  • Owe net tax above thresholds — usually more than $3,000 ($1,800 for Quebec residents).

📃 Instalment Reminders

The CRA may send you instalment reminders (such as form INNS1) if it estimates you will owe tax by instalments. These reminders typically outline suggested payment amounts and often deliver two notices per year — one in February for March and June instalments, and another in August for September and December instalments.

📍 Tools and Resources

Making instalment payments on time helps you avoid large lump‑sum payments when filing your annual return and minimizes interest charges over the year.