CRA vs Revenu Quebec: the key differences
In Quebec you file taxes twice. Here we explain why and how to do it.
February 2026
9 min read
If you live in Quebec, you must file TWO tax returns: a federal one (T1) with the CRA and a provincial one (TP-1) with Revenu Quebec. They are different forms with different processing timelines. The T4 is the federal employment slip; the RL-1 is the Quebec provincial equivalent.
Why do you file twice in Quebec?
Quebec is the only province in Canada that administers its own provincial taxes. In the rest of Canada, the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) collects both federal and provincial taxes in a single return. In Quebec, Revenu Quebec collects provincial tax separately. If this is your first tax season in the province, check out our tax guide for newcomers in Quebec for a complete overview.
This means that every year you must file:
- T1 (federal) - with the CRA, using your T4 and other federal forms
- TP-1 (provincial) - with Revenu Quebec, using your RL-1 and provincial forms
Comparison table: CRA vs Revenu Quebec
| Concept | CRA (Federal) | Revenu Quebec (Provincial) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax return | T1 General | TP-1 |
| Employment slip | T4 | RL-1 |
| Deadline | April 30 | April 30 |
| Website | canada.ca/taxes | revenuquebec.ca |
| Online account | CRA My Account | Mon dossier (clicSÉQUR) |
| Sales tax | GST (5%) | QST/TVQ (9.975%) |
| Sales tax credit | GST/HST Credit | Solidarity Tax Credit |
| RRSP deduction | Yes | Yes (same contribution applies) |
| Direct deposit | Set up with CRA | Set up SEPARATELY with RQ |
Key documents in Quebec
Before filing, make sure you have these documents:
- T4 + RL-1 - your employer must give you both by February 28. If you need to understand each box on the T4, check out our T4 explained guide
- RL-31 - rent receipt (issued by your landlord). Required to claim the Solidarity Tax Credit
- T4A / RL-2 - if you received pensions, scholarships, or employment insurance payments
- RRSP contribution receipts - to deduct on both returns
- Medical receipts - Quebec has its own provincial medical credit
Common mistakes newcomers make in Quebec
- Only filing federal - many newcomers don't know that Quebec requires a separate provincial return
- Not setting up direct deposit with Revenu Quebec - the CRA direct deposit does NOT apply for Quebec. You must set it up separately in clicSÉQUR
- Not requesting the RL-31 from your landlord - without this document you lose the Solidarity Tax Credit
- Confusing T4 with RL-1 - you need BOTH. If your employer didn't give you the RL-1, ask for it
- Not filling out Schedule D - this is the form to claim the Solidarity Tax Credit within the TP-1
Complete Quebec guide
Everything you need to know about taxes, credits, and Quebec-specific benefits for newcomers.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to file taxes twice if I live in Quebec?
Yes. In Quebec you must file a federal return (T1) with the CRA and a provincial return (TP-1) with Revenu Quebec. They are two separate forms with different processing timelines.
Can I use the same software for both returns?
Yes. Software like Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax, and H&R Block prepare both returns (T1 and TP-1) simultaneously. Wealthsimple Tax is free.
What is the difference between the T4 and the RL-1?
The T4 is the federal employment slip issued by the CRA. The RL-1 is the Quebec provincial equivalent issued by Revenu Quebec. Both report your income and deductions, but they have different boxes.
If I move from Quebec to Ontario, where do I file?
You file in the province where you reside on December 31 of the tax year. If on December 31, 2025 you lived in Ontario, you only file a federal return (T1). You don't need the Quebec TP-1.
What happens if I only file federal and don't file in Quebec?
Revenu Quebec can charge you interest and penalties for not filing. Additionally, you lose provincial credits like the Solidarity Tax Credit, the Quebec sales tax credit (TVQ), and other benefits.
Official sources
Updated: February 2026 | Content for newcomers in Quebec🍁 Free newsletter
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