August can feel like a quieter month for many businesses, summer vacations are in full swing and the administrative pace may slow down. But for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), August brings several important deadlines that, if missed, can lead to interest, penalties, or compliance issues that quietly add up.
At The TaxForce, we work every day with business owners who want to stay on top of their obligations without having to memorize the entire tax calendar. That’s why we put together this guide to four key CRA deadlines for August 2026, what they actually mean, and how to avoid unpleasant surprises.
An Important Weekend Reminder
Before getting into the details, there is one date business owners should keep in mind: when a CRA due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a CRA-recognized public holiday, the payment or filing is generally considered on time if it is received or processed by the next business day.
This matters in 2026 because August 15 falls on a Saturday. For regular payroll remitters, that means the applicable deadline moves to Monday, August 17, 2026.
It is a useful extension, but not a reason to wait until the last minute. Processing a payment in advance can help avoid issues related to financial institution processing times.
1. Payroll Remittances — August 17, 2026
If your business has employees and you are a regular payroll remitter, you generally have to remit July payroll deductions, including income tax, CPP and EI deductions, by the 15th day of the following month. Because August 15 falls on a Saturday in 2026, the deadline is Monday, August 17, 2026.
Why it matters
Late payroll remittances can result in penalties and interest. Depending on how late the payment is, the CRA penalty can be 3%, 5%, 7% or 10%. A 20% penalty can apply to a second or subsequent failure in the same calendar year when the failure was made knowingly or under circumstances of gross negligence.
A key detail
Your remitter type, regular, accelerated Threshold 1, accelerated Threshold 2, or quarterly, determines your actual remittance schedule. Not every business remits monthly, so confirm your remitter type with the CRA before assuming this deadline applies to you.
2. GST/HST Filing and Payment — August 31, 2026
For monthly GST/HST filers whose reporting period ended July 31, the deadline to file their GST/HST return and pay any amount owing is generally August 31, 2026.
Why it matters
GST/HST filing and payment deadlines are based on your reporting period. Filing late can result in penalties and interest, and interest may apply to unpaid amounts after the due date.
A key detail
This August 31 deadline applies specifically to businesses with a monthly reporting period ending July 31. If your business files quarterly or annually, your deadline will be different and will depend on your own reporting period and fiscal year-end.
3. Corporate Tax Instalments — August 31, 2026
Many corporations are required to make corporate income tax instalments throughout the year instead of paying their entire tax liability at once.
Depending on your corporation’s tax year and instalment schedule, a corporate tax instalment may be due on August 31, 2026. Corporate instalments are generally due on the last day of each complete month of the corporation’s tax year, while eligible small Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) may make quarterly instalments instead.
Why it matters
Missing a required instalment can result in instalment interest, depending on your circumstances. The CRA provides different calculation options based on your estimated current-year tax and your previous years’ tax amounts.
A key detail
Not every corporation will have an August 31 instalment. The date depends on your corporation’s fiscal year and whether you make monthly or quarterly instalments. New corporations generally do not have to make instalment payments during their first tax year, and corporations with tax payable of $3,000 or less for the current or previous tax year may not have to make instalments for certain corporate taxes.
4. GST/HST Instalments — August 31, 2026
Some annual GST/HST filers are required to make quarterly instalment payments during the year. In general, this can apply when the business meets the CRA’s GST/HST instalment requirements, including having net tax of at least $3,000 for the relevant fiscal year.
GST/HST instalments are generally due within one month after the end of each fiscal quarter. Therefore, if your fiscal quarter ended July 31, an instalment may be due on August 31, 2026.
Why it matters
GST/HST instalments can easily be overlooked because they do not apply to every GST/HST registrant. Failing to make required instalments can result in interest and penalties.
A key detail
If you are unsure whether your business is required to make GST/HST instalment payments, check your CRA account through My Business Account or Represent a Client to confirm your specific instalment schedule and amounts.
Why CRA Deadlines Vary From Business to Business
If you notice that many of the sections above include the phrase “it depends,” that is not accidental.
CRA deadlines can vary based on:
- Your payroll remitter type
- Your GST/HST reporting period
- Your corporation’s fiscal year-end
- Whether your corporation makes monthly or quarterly tax instalments
- Whether your business meets the requirements for GST/HST instalments
This means the deadline that applies to another business may not be the same deadline that applies to yours, even if you are both small businesses in the same industry.
How to Avoid Penalties and Stay on Track
The most reliable way to stay compliant is not to memorize every deadline, but to:
Check your CRA account regularly. Your account can provide information about your specific deadlines, balances owing, instalments and CRA communications.
Set reminders in advance. Don’t wait until the actual deadline. Give yourself extra time for payment and processing.
Work with a tax professional. A professional who understands your business can help ensure that the obligations that apply to your specific situation, and only those obligations, stay under control.
Need Help Staying on Top of Your Tax Obligations?
At The TaxForce, we help business owners in Ontario navigate their tax obligations throughout the year, not just during tax season.
If you’re not sure which CRA deadlines apply to your business in August, or any other month, we’re here to help.
📞 226-776-1219
🌐 www.thetaxforce.ca
Trusted tax advice. Year-round support.
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