07/15/2026
📢 **LEAVING CANADA? HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR TAXES!**
Many Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) have been asking our office what they need to do for tax purposes before leaving Canada.
Before returning to your home country, here are some important reminders:
âś… **Inform your tax preparer that you are leaving Canada.**
Let your tax preparer know before you leave so they can advise you on your tax obligations, the documents you should keep, and any information that needs to be updated.
âś… **You still need to file your Canadian tax return.**
If you leave Canada in **2026**, especially if you worked in Canada during 2026 before leaving, you still need to file your **2026 Canadian income tax return in 2027**.
You may still be entitled to a tax refund, even if you no longer live in Canada. However, **a refund is not guaranteed.** It depends on your individual tax situation, the amount of tax deducted from your income, and the deductions and credits you qualify for.
âś… **Do not close your Canadian bank account just yet.**
If you are expecting a tax refund, keep your Canadian bank account open until your refund has been deposited by CRA.
If CRA cannot deposit your refund into your bank account, they will usually mail you a cheque. Cashing a Canadian cheque in another country can be difficult and may involve additional bank fees and less favourable exchange rates.
If keeping your Canadian bank account open is not practical (for example, because of monthly account fees), ask your tax preparer whether they offer **refund discounting**.
If available, your tax preparer (or an authorized tax discounter) can receive the refund through the refund discounting process and **arrange a safe and convenient way to send your refund to you in your home country.** **Additional fees apply**, and not all tax preparers or tax offices offer this service.
âś… **Update your CRA Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).**
If your CRA My Account uses your Canadian phone number for verification, change your Multi-Factor Authentication method **before leaving Canada**.
We recommend switching to the **CRA Passcode Grid** so you can continue accessing your CRA My Account after your Canadian phone number is no longer active.
âś… **Keep access to your CRA My Account.**
Your CRA My Account allows you to:
• Check your refund status
• View your Notice of Assessment
• Download your tax slips
• Read CRA messages
• Update your personal information
âś… **Update your contact information.**
Before leaving Canada, provide CRA and your tax preparer with your:
• New mailing address
• Active email address
• Active phone number
• Exact date you left Canada
âś… **Keep all your tax documents and receipts.**
Keep copies of any documents that may be needed to prepare your tax return, including:
• T4 slips and other tax slips
• Record of Employment (ROE)
• Final pay statements
• Donation receipts
• Medical expense receipts
• Child care (daycare) receipts
• Rent receipts (if applicable)
• Northern Residents Deduction documents (if eligible), including proof of residency and Northern travel receipts
• Employment expense receipts (if applicable)
• Passport, work permit, and SIN information
• CRA letters or notices
These documents **may** help you qualify for deductions, credits, or a tax refund. However, **keeping receipts does not guarantee a refund.** Your eligibility depends on your individual tax situation and CRA's tax rules.
**If you're unsure whether a receipt can be claimed, keep it anyway and provide it to your tax preparer when it's time to file your tax return.** Your tax preparer can review it and determine whether it is eligible.
đź’š **Leaving Canada doesn't always mean your Canadian tax responsibilities are over.** Taking these simple steps before you leave can help prevent delays and make filing your final Canadian tax return much easier.
If you have any questions before leaving Canada, feel free to contact **RGB Tax & More * We're happy to help!
Send a message to learn more