UFile ONLINE: Before You Start

Frequently Asked Questions

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• What is UFile ONLINE?
  UFile ONLINE is a Web-based tax preparation application designed by Dr Tax-UFile.ca Inc., a Canadian company based in Montreal, Quebec. UFile's tax engine was created originally for professional tax preparation specialists. UFile has the same powerful engine and a friendly, interview-based interface so that anyone can have access to this advanced tax preparation system.
• How much does UFile ONLINE cost?

  First family member entered in UFile (family head):

  • $15.95 plus applicable provincial tax and GST 

  Second family member entered in UFile (spouse):

  • $9.00 plus applicable provincial tax and GST

  Additional family members (dependants)*:

  • no charge

  Individuals or families with total income* of $20,000 or less:

  • no charge

  If you do not match UFile's definition of a dependant, you will have to create a separate client file with your own user ID and password and enter your tax information as a distinct family head.

  *Total income is the amount appearing on line 150 of your tax return.

• What is UFile's definition of a dependant, and what types of tax returns can dependants prepare for free using UFile?

  Dependants are members of the taxpayer's family unit, usually children, parents or other relatives, who have the same mailing address and who are being supported by the designated family head and/or their spouse.

  These dependent individuals may be able to transfer certain tax credits (e.g. tuition fees, medical expenses, charitable donations, disability amounts, etc.) to another family member for optimization purposes.

  You can prepare the tax returns of dependents for free using UFile if they are fairly basic returns.

  This includes, for instance, returns reporting:

  Income from the following information slips:

  • T3 (trust)
  • T4A (pension, retirement, annuity and other)
  • T4A(OAS) (old age security)
  • T4A(P) (CPP/QPP)
  • T5 (investment)

  Other employment income such as tips

  Deductions or credits to be claimed or transferred, such as:

  • Child care
  • Education
  • Donations
  • Medical
  • Infirmity/disability

• Who should use UFile?

  UFile is for taxpayers who prepare their own income tax returns, who want to spend less time and money doing it, and who enjoy the convenience of the Internet.

  If you prepare your own tax return without the help of a professional tax preparer, and you have Internet access, simply go to UFile ONLINE to prepare your tax return online. You can file it electronically or print it and file it on paper, as you prefer.

  As a Web-based tax preparation system, UFile ONLINE, provides taxpayers with continual access to their tax information and ensures the security and backup of their data.

  UFile is not intended for use by tax professionals or anyone being paid for the service of tax return preparation.

  UFile has very few restrictions as to the types of returns it can process. See the next question for more information.

• Is UFile ONLINE easy to use?

  You already know how to answer questions on a Web site and how to fill out simple electronic forms. That's all there is to using UFile.

  If you have that covered, then all you need is to have all relevant tax information at hand. UFile's interview will guide you by presenting questions that you will answer and forms that you will fill in.

  In a frame located on the left-hand side of the screen, a table of contents will display your customized interview and enable you to recall any question or form and add to or change what you have previously entered.

  If you will be preparing the tax returns of family members, keep in mind that each person's tax information must be entered in their respective file. UFile will optimize the family's data to minimize the tax payable and maximize your refund.

• When can I use UFile ONLINE?

  You can log onto UFile ONLINE to prepare your tax returns online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  However, the UFile ONLINE site may occasionally be unavailable for maintenance purposes. In such a case, the affected hours of operation will be posted.

• How can I use UFile if I don't have a computer?
  You can use UFile on any computer with Internet access, whether it's at a friend's, at the library, or at an Internet café.
• How do I get assistance if I need it?

  Read the questions carefully. If you require assistance, several options are available depending on the nature of your query.

  • To find out what UFile does with the information you enter, click the "?" icon next to the relevant field.
  • To refer to the CRA's T1 guide, click the Canadian flag icon within the relevant help file.
  • To refer to Revenue Quebec's TP1 guide, click the Quebec flag icon within the relevant help file.
  • Check our list of FAQ's.

  If the options above do not prove satisfactory, send an email to UFile. We will provide you with an answer as quickly as we can.

  
  

• What payment methods does UFile accept?
  UFile currently accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards. If you are using UFile ONLINE, you can make your purchase when you are ready to print or file your return using NETFILE. Remember, UFile ONLINE allows you to try the service for free. You only pay when you are ready to file.
• Can I file my tax return for free using UFile ONLINE?

  With UFile ONLINE you always prepare your tax return for free. You only pay if you are completely satisfied and wish to print your return or file it electronically.

  If you are not satisfied, you can end the process and leave the site at any time, no strings attached.

  If your total family income is $20,000 or less, you will not be charged any fee to print or NETFILE your return(s) with UFile ONLINE.

  Anyone may try using UFile ONLINE at no charge. If your income exceeds this limitation, you will be asked to pay only when you are completely satisfied.

  Click here to learn if you qualify to use UFile for free.