Questions about electronic filing (NETFILE)

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Can I file my tax return electronically?

  The CRA will be inviting most taxpayers to use NETFILE to submit their income tax returns electronically.

  To find out if you're eligible, check the mailing label of your annual tax return package to see whether you were given a personalized Web Access Code (WAC). If you have not yet received a tax package, or if there is no WAC visible, click here to obtain your WAC online from the CRA, or contact the NETFILE help desk at 1(800)714-7257 to have one assigned to you.

  With this WAC, using NETFILE is a snap so long as you are fully eligible under the CRA's requirements. (Click here to see the complete list of CRA restrictions.)

  When you are ready to file your return using NETFILE, UFile will direct you to the CRA's NETFILE site where you will upload your file to them.

• Should I file my return electronically?

  If you are eligible for NETFILE, it is a good idea for several reasons:

  • Shorter processing time
    
    The CRA can process your tax return almost immediately and send your refund much faster, if applicable. If they already have your direct deposit information, your refund should be deposited into your account within 2 weeks of filing.
    
    If you have a balance due, you can make a post-dated payment using Web banking or send a post-dated cheque for April 30, thereby making sure that you will not have to pay a penalty.
  • Greater control
    
    The CRA verifies returns submitted via NETFILE immediately. If there are errors, they will send the files back for you to fix rather than attempt to fix the errors themselves.
  • Proof of receipt
    
    The acknowledgement page you get from the CRA is your proof of receipt, and it comes to you immediately after using NETFILE. You can save this page on your own hard drive or, better yet, send it to UFile to store into your file.
  • No hassle with slips or receipts
    
    You don't have to bother sorting out and separating all your slips and receipts and sending them to the CRA as they are usually not required for returns submitted electronically. Make sure, however, that you keep them handy in a secure location in case the CRA does ask to see them.
  • No mail
    
    There is no need to bother with envelopes, stamps or postal delays. This saves you time, money and energy.

• Can I file my return via NETFILE with UFile?

  Each year, UFile is certified for NETFILE by the Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Québec.

  • Click here for more information on filing your return via NETFILE
  • View our NETFILE certification status

• When filing my tax returns electronically, how do I send in my supporting documents?

  When you file your tax return electronically, you are not required to send in your receipts, information slips and other supporting papers.

  You should, however, keep this material safe and handy. The CRA and Revenu Québec do occasionally require some documents, in which case they would contact you and specify exactly what they need to look at.

• How do I find out the status of my current-year tax return?
  You can view this information through the CRA's My Account service available at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/esrvc-srvce/tx/ndvdls/myccnt/menu-eng.html. My Account provides a statement of account that shows the recent transactions that have occurred on your personal tax account, including assessments, reassessments, payments, and any interest charged. It also shows your current account balance.
• Can I prepare my Quebec TP1 return with UFile?

  Certainly. If you indicate that you were a Quebec resident on December 31 of the tax year, you will be prompted, in the course of the interview, to provide Quebec information where different from federal information. Incidentally, you can always enter different Quebec information by clicking the fleur-de-lis icon where available.

  If you are a Quebec resident, UFile will help you prepare your Quebec tax return as well as your federal tax return, at no extra charge.

• Can I file my Quebec TP1 return electronically?

  Yes you can, if you are eligible for NETFILE Quebec and received an invitation from Revenu Québec along with a personal access code. (Click here to see Revenu Québec's list of restrictions.)

  If you are eligible for NETFILE Quebec but did not receive an invitation, you can call any Revenu Québec service centre listed on their Web site and request an access code, which will be assigned to you immediately over the phone. Some personal information will be requested and we suggest you have your previous year's tax return on hand when you call.

  When you are ready to file your return via NETFILE, UFile will direct you to Revenu Québec's NETFILE site where you will upload your file to them.

• What about access codes?

  The CRA will only give you access to its NETFILE service if, upon transmitting a tax return electronically, you have entered your social insurance number, date of birth, and the individual Web Access Code (WAC) that they have given you.

  Similarly, you will only be able to efile your return to Revenu Québec by using the access code that they have given you.

• I have a balance due on my tax return. How can I make the payment when I file using NETFILE?

  There are a number of ways to pay an outstanding balance if you are using NETFILE to submit your tax return.

  • electronically using online banking
  • by pre-authorized debit
  • at your financial institution
  • by mail
  • in person

  If you are paying using one of the last three methods, use the Electronic Filing remittance voucher (T7DR) you received in your tax package from the CRA to identify your payment.

  You are not required to send the amount due as you file. You can defer payment until the 30th of April.

  For more information on how to pay a balance due, please visit http://www.netfile.gc.ca/blnc-eng.html

  Quebec residents should also visit http://www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca/en/sepf/services/scr_paiement/en_ligne.aspx for information on paying a balance due to Revenu Québec.

• I can't NETFILE my tax return. What should I do?

  Ensure that you have the latest version of UFile for Windows. If not, please follow these steps to update your version:

  1. Connect to the Internet.
  2. Run UFile for Windows.
  3. Click Tools on the top menu bar, and select Program updates.
  4. In the dialogue box that appears, click Check for updates by Internet. This will launch the update feature in UFile for Windows.
  5. Finally, in UFile, open your existing tax file and click Results to recalculate your return.

• If I choose not to use NETFILE, where do I mail my tax return?

  If you will be sending your tax return by mail, please use the links below to find the correct mailing address.

  • Where to file a T1 return with the CRA
  • Where to file a TP1 return with the MRQ