Tax refunds
On this page
Refund timelines
How you file your return affects when you get your refund.
Check the status of your return in your CRA account
You can view the status of your return using the progress tracker in your CRA account.
Check general processing times for T1 returns
Go to: Check CRA processing times
Non-resident returns:
Processed within 16 weeks.
The CRA may take longer if your return is selected for a more detailed review.
Why you may not receive your refund
The CRA may keep all or part of your refund if you have:
- an amount owing (or pending amount owing)
- a garnishment order under the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act
- certain outstanding federal, provincial, or territorial debts (for example: student loans, EI or social assistance benefit overpayments, immigration loans, training allowance overpayments)
- any outstanding GST/HST returns from a sole proprietorship or partnership
- a refund of $2 or less
Interest on your refund
The CRA pays compound daily interest on your 2025 tax refund in some cases. The interest starts on the latest of:
- 30 days after the balance due date
- 30 days after you file your return
- the day you overpaid your taxes
Check your refund status
How to check your refund status
Wait before contacting the CRA:
- 12 weeks if you reside in Canada
- 16 weeks if you reside outside Canada
- Online:
Sign in to My Account for secure access to your tax return information.
- By phone:
Contact centre agent
- Before you call
To verify your identity, have the following ready:
- your social insurance number
- your full name
- your date of birth
- your complete address
- an assessed return, notice of assessment or reassessment, other tax document, or to be signed in to My Account
If you are calling for someone else, you must be an authorized representative.
- Telephone number
1-800-959-8281
Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut:
1-866-426-1527Outside Canada and the United States:
613-940-8495- Hours
- Mon to Fri
- 8 am to 8 pm ET
- Sat and Sun
- Closed
- Public holidays
- Closed
Automated line
- Before you call
To verify your identity, have the following ready:
- your social insurance number
- your full name
- your date of birth
- your complete address
- amount from line 15000 of your most recent notice of assessment
- Telephone number
1-800-959-8281 (select option 4)
- Hours
Monday to Sunday 6 am to 3 am ET
No wait time
Transfer your refund
You can transfer your refund to your 2026 instalment account by:
- choosing this option when you file electronically
- attaching a note to your paper return
The CRA will apply the full refund to your instalment account on the date your return is assessed.
It will go toward any amount owing on your tax return.
Learn more: Payments for individuals
Note
The CRA will not transfer your refund to pay another person’s amount owing.