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The client document checklist for the 2026 tax year
A plain-language list you can copy into your client emails, plus three reminder templates timed for January, February and March. Free to use, change and print.
Checklist by client type
| Client type | Documents to ask for |
|---|---|
| Everyone | Last year’s Notice of Assessment; T4 (employment); T4A / T4A(P) / T4A(OAS) (pension, CPP, OAS); T4E (EI); T5 / T3 (investment income); T5008 (securities sold); RRSP and FHSA contribution receipts |
| Families | Childcare receipts; tuition slips (T2202); medical and dental receipts for the household; charitable donation receipts |
| Self-employed | Income records (sales, invoices); business expenses; vehicle log; home-office measurements and bills; GST/HST registration number |
| Rental property | Rent received; property tax; mortgage interest; insurance; repairs and maintenance; utilities paid by you |
| Employees working from home | Form T2200 or T2200S signed by the employer, if claiming employment expenses |
| Québec residents | Relevé 1 (RL-1) and other Relevés (RL-2, RL-3, RL-8, RL-24); RL-31 for tenants (solidarity tax credit) |
This is a practical starting point, not tax advice. Check CRA and Revenu Québec guidance for each client’s situation.
Three reminder emails
1 · Mid-January: the list
Subject: Your tax documents for 2026 — quick list
Hi [Client first name],
Tax season is coming. To get your 2026 return done early, here is what we need from you this year:
[Paste the client’s checklist]
You can reply to this email with photos or PDFs, or upload them to [portal link].
Thanks,
[Your name]
2 · Mid-February: what’s still missing
Subject: Still missing a few documents
Hi [Client first name],
Thanks for what you’ve sent so far. We’re still missing:
[List missing items]
If you can send them by [date], we can file well before the deadline.
[Your name]
3 · Mid-March: last reminder, one easy question
Subject: Last reminder before the April rush
Hi [Client first name],
The filing deadline is April 30 (June 15 if you or your spouse are self-employed, but any balance owing is still due April 30). We still need:
[List missing items]
Should we keep your file open, or are you filing elsewhere this year? A one-word reply is fine.
[Your name]
Want this set up for you?
I set up the checklist and these reminders in the email or portal you already use. You pay 499 $ CAD only after you’ve seen the first reminders go out.
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