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What Documents Do I Need to Keep?
What Documents Do I Need to Keep?

Keeping proper records of your tax documents is essential to ensure compliance with the CRA and to support any claims made on your tax return.

Samuel Jones avatar
Written by Samuel Jones
Updated over a month ago

Documents You Should Keep

  • Income Records

    • T4 slips (employment income)

    • T4A, T4E, T5, and other slips for pensions, EI, investment income, or other earnings

    • Records of self-employment or business income

  • Expense and Deduction Records

    • Receipts for medical expenses, childcare, tuition, and charitable donations

    • RRSP contribution slips

    • Records of moving expenses, if applicable

  • Investment Records

    • Annual statements from financial institutions

    • Receipts for stock purchases and sales, including transaction costs

  • Property Records

    • Records of home or rental property purchases, sales, or major renovations

    • Mortgage interest statements

  • Foreign Income and Assets

    • Documentation of any foreign income or assets if applicable

How Long Should You Keep Documents?

  • The CRA requires that you keep your tax documents for at least 6 years from the end of the tax year

  • If the CRA audits or reviews your return, you may need to keep them longer

Tips for Keeping Documents Organized

  • Store both physical copies and digital copies of your records

  • Use a secure folder system to categorize documents by year and type (income, expenses, investments, etc.)

  • Save copies of your tax returns and Notices of Assessment for quick reference

Why This Matters

  • Proper record-keeping helps ensure you can provide evidence for claims and deductions if requested by the CRA

  • Having organized records reduces stress and simplifies the tax filing process

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