Filing taxes in Canada as a seasonal worker
Every year, thousands of seasonal workers travel to Canada to work in agriculture, hospitality, tourism, and other industries.
Whether you’re working construction in British Columbia, helping out at a ski resort in Alberta, or staffing summer camps in Ontario, it’s important to know that you may have tax obligations in Canada — even if you’re only here for part of the year.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about filing taxes as a seasonal worker in Canada, including who needs to file, what documents to look out for, and how you can claim any refund you’re owed.
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Who needs to file taxes as a seasonal worker in Canada?
If you earned income while working in Canada, you’re generally required to file a Canadian income tax return, regardless of whether you are a resident or non-resident.
You should file a tax return if:
- You earned employment income in Canada
- Taxes were deducted from your paycheques
- You want to claim a refund or tax credits
- You received a request from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Even if you only worked in Canada for a few months, filing a return ensures you’re not overpaying tax and helps you stay compliant with the CRA.
The Non-resident tax refund from Canada is $998
Understanding your income and tax slips (T4, T4A, and more)
When your seasonal job ends, your employer should give you a T4 slip, which summarizes your employment income and the taxes deducted from your pay.
If you received other types of income (like contract or grant income), you might receive a T4A slip instead.
Key documents to keep an eye out for:
- T4 – Employment income and deductions
- T4A – Other income (e.g. self-employment, scholarships)
- T2202 – If you attended school in Canada
- NR4 – Income paid to non-residents
Always keep copies of your pay stubs and any tax slips — you’ll need them to accurately complete your return in Canada.
The Non-resident tax refund from Canada is $998
Tax deductions and credits for seasonal workers
As a seasonal worker, you may be eligible for a variety of tax deductions and credits, which can reduce the amount of tax you owe or increase your refund.
Some common ones include:
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) – A refundable credit for low-income workers
- Medical expenses – If you incurred eligible costs during your time in Canada
- Moving expenses – If you moved for work and meet certain conditions
Not sure what you can claim?
We can help you identify and claim all available credits based on your individual situation!
The Non-resident tax refund from Canada is $998
Canada tax filing: steps and deadlines
Here’s how to file your Canadian tax return as a seasonal worker:
- Gather your documents – T4, T4A, passport, Social Insurance Number (SIN), and receipts for deductions
- Determine your residency status – This impacts how your income is taxed
- Complete your tax return – Use tax software or a trusted tax service like Taxback
- File by the deadline – The general deadline is April 30 of the following year (e.g. for 2024 income, the deadline is April 30, 2025)
If you owe tax, you’ll need to pay by the deadline to avoid interest or penalties. If you’re owed a refund, the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your money back!
The Non-resident tax refund from Canada is $998
Getting a tax refund or paying owed taxes
Many seasonal workers are entitled to a tax refund because employers often deduct too much tax from paycheques, especially if you earned a lower income or only worked part of the year.
Once you have finished submitting taxes in Canada, and if you’re entitled to a refund, the CRA will usually send it via direct deposit or cheque within a few weeks of filing your return.
If you owe taxes, you’ll receive a Notice of Assessment with payment instructions. Be sure to pay any balance owed by April 30 to avoid late fees.
How can I file my taxes if I’m a non-resident or temporary worker?
If you’re considered a non-resident or deemed resident for tax purposes, you’ll need to file a non-resident tax return (Form T1).
The CRA determines residency based on ties to Canada, the length of stay, and your intent to return. Non-residents are generally taxed only on Canadian-sourced income, and tax treaties between Canada and your home country may help reduce your tax burden or prevent double taxation.
Filing as a non-resident can be complex, especially if you worked in multiple provinces or had tax deducted incorrectly. That’s where Taxback can help.
We specialize in non-resident tax returns and make sure you claim all eligible refunds and treaty benefits.
Filing taxes as a seasonal worker in Canada might feel overwhelming — especially if you’re not familiar with the Canadian tax system. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re owed a refund or just want to stay compliant, getting it right is important.
At Taxback, we take the hassle out of tax filing for seasonal and non-resident workers. From preparing your return to claiming your maximum refund, we’re here to help every step of the way.
The Non-resident tax refund from Canada is $998
Last Updated on May 2, 2025
