Tax season in Canada is fast approaching, and for many Canadians, the thought of filing their income tax return can feel a little overwhelming. But here’s the good news—filing your taxes online is not only simple, but it’s also free! Thanks to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you can file your personal income tax return with ease using the NETFILE service, a convenient, secure, and fast way to get your taxes done.
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The CRA recommends that Canadians use its online service, NETFILE, to submit their tax returns. In fact, nearly 93% of Canadian taxpayers file their returns this way. Plus, when you use NETFILE, you’re more likely to receive your refund quicker than if you were to file a paper return.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about using NETFILE to file your taxes online. From understanding how NETFILE works, who can use it, and how to access it, to important deadlines and tips, we’ve got you covered.
What is NETFILE?
NETFILE is the CRA’s secure online tax-filing service that allows Canadians to submit their personal income tax returns directly to the CRA. The CRA certifies a range of tax software programs that are compatible with NETFILE, ensuring that your tax return is filed correctly and efficiently.
Using NETFILE-certified software helps reduce the risk of errors and ensures that your return is submitted securely. Additionally, submitting your tax return online via NETFILE often results in faster processing times and a quicker refund compared to filing on paper.
How to File Your Taxes Online in Canada
Filing your taxes online using NETFILE is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps:
- Choose a NETFILE-Certified Software: The CRA offers a list of certified tax software options, including both free and paid versions. Pick one that best fits your needs.
- Gather Your Documents: Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork, including your T4 slips, receipts, and last year’s Notice of Assessment. Many of these can be found in your CRA online account.
- Enter Your Information: The software will guide you through entering your personal details, income, deductions, and credits.
- Enter Your NETFILE Access Code: If you filed a tax return last year, you’ll find your eight-character Access Code on your previous year’s Notice of Assessment. This is not mandatory, but using it helps confirm your identity with the CRA. If you’re filing for the first time, you won’t have an access code, and that’s okay.
- Submit Your Return: Once everything is filled out, submit your return through the software. The CRA will send you a confirmation number—make sure to keep this for your records.
Who Can Use NETFILE?
NETFILE is available to most Canadians, but there are some exceptions. You cannot use NETFILE if:
- You filed a tax return before 2017.
- You’re filing for someone else (each individual must file their own return).
- You went bankrupt in 2023 or 2024 (a proposal for bankruptcy doesn’t count).
- You are a non-resident of Canada.
For a full list of eligibility requirements, visit the CRA’s NETFILE eligibility page.
How to Get Your NETFILE Access Code
Your NETFILE Access Code is a combination of eight letters and numbers found on the right side of your previous year’s Notice of Assessment. While it’s not mandatory to use this code, it helps the CRA match your current return with your previous information, making the process smoother and faster.
How to Access NETFILE
You don’t access NETFILE directly; instead, you use NETFILE-certified software to file your taxes. Once you’ve completed your return, the software sends it securely to the CRA via NETFILE.
Is NETFILE Free?
Yes, the NETFILE service itself is completely free! However, some of the certified software providers may charge fees for using their platforms. Thankfully, there are several free options available, so you can file your taxes at no cost.
When Does NETFILE Open in 2025?
NETFILE will reopen on Monday, February 24, 2025, for the upcoming tax season. Once the service is live, you can file your tax return online at any time during the day, except for the scheduled maintenance window from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. ET.
How Long Does NETFILE Take?
The actual submission of your return via NETFILE takes only a few minutes. The time it takes to complete your tax return depends on your specific tax situation, but NETFILE-certified software is by far the fastest way to prepare and submit your return.
If you’re registered for direct deposit, you could see your refund in as little as eight business days—much quicker than the eight weeks it might take with a paper return.
What Happens After I File?
Once you submit your return, the CRA will quickly issue a confirmation number, confirming that your tax return has been received. This happens almost immediately after your submission.
Once your return is processed, you will receive a Notice of Assessment either in the mail or through your online CRA account if you’ve signed up for email notifications. This notice will outline any refund due to you or any issues with your return.
Can I File My Provincial or Territorial Return Using the Same Software?
In most cases, yes! When you file through NETFILE, your provincial or territorial tax return is automatically included as part of your federal return—except for residents of Quebec.
Quebec residents typically need to file their provincial return separately with Revenu Québec. However, some NETFILE-certified tax software programs also work with Revenu Québec, allowing Quebecers to file both their federal and provincial returns using the same software.
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Can I NETFILE My First Return?
If you’re filing your taxes for the first time, you may not have a NETFILE Access Code. However, you can still use NETFILE to submit your return, as long as the CRA has your complete birthdate on file.
If your information doesn’t match what the CRA has on record, your return may be rejected. But don’t worry—if this happens, you can contact the CRA for help in resubmitting your return.
Conclusion
Filing your taxes online with NETFILE is a fast, easy, and secure way to manage your tax obligations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to file your return with confidence, knowing you’re using the fastest, most efficient method. Plus, with a quick refund waiting for you, you’ll have more time to enjoy the things you love this tax season. Happy filing, Canada!
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