General questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Can I prepare any type of returns with UFile?

  UFile is designed to prepare just about any tax return. However, if yours is a complex tax return and you feel that you do not have sufficient expertise, it may be wise to consult a professional to guide you.

  This being said, the general restrictions currently applicable are listed below. You cannot use UFile if:

  * you are required to file any type of bankruptcy return;
  * you changed the fiscal year-end of your business;
  * you are reporting Harmonized Agristability/Agri-Invest (T1273)
  
  We regret any inconvenience that this may cause.

  Note that UFile does not set any restrictions on the electronic filing of tax returns to the CRA or Revenu Québec. Any such restrictions are imposed solely by the NETFILE authority.

• What supporting documents do I need when using UFile?

  You should have all the tax documents you would normally need to prepare your tax return manually on paper or with any commercial software. This includes your information slips and all receipts you intend to submit.

  If, however, you begin preparing your tax return with UFile, then realize that you are missing certain information, you can always quit and come back later to finish preparing your return. UFile always saves your data as you proceed through its tax preparation sequence.

• Can I copy my information from TurboTax® to UFile?

  Yes. You can use UFile's one-touch data import to copy your tax information from TurboTax ^® desktop program into UFile.

  UFile will also carry forward personal and tax data from year to year, ensuring accurate filing and saving you tax dollars.

  When you create a new account at UFile Online, tick on the box indicating you would like to carryforward a TurboTax^® file. This will open a window where you will specify the location of your prior year tax file.

  In UFile for Windows, select Carry forward a 20XX tax file from the "File" menu. This will open a window where you may select "TurboTax" (or QuickTax for years prior to 2011) and specify the location of your prior year tax file.

  UFile will then convert your tax file and carry both your permanent information and tax carryforwards into the UFile product you have chosen.

• Can anyone use UFile for free?

  UFile ONLINE, Canada's online tax preparation program, is available free of charge to taxpayers with annual income of $20,000 or less. Click here to begin.

  UFile for Windows is very economically priced (suggested retail price of $29.99 for UFile STANDARD or $39.99 for UFile PLUS).

  UFile for Windows counts ALL returns, regardless of the taxpayer's income level.

• Does UFile support all the tax forms?

  UFile can be used to prepare all kinds of personal tax returns and has all the forms to support them. Any kind of self-employment income, be it from farming, fishing, commission, rental or others may be entered in UFile even if you have multiple businesses or properties.

  Remember, UFile produces returns for all provinces including automatic calculation of provincial tax credits.

  For a list of all the forms UFile supports, click here.

  You cannot use UFile if:
  
  * you are required to file any type of bankruptcy return;
  * you changed the fiscal year-end of your business;
  * you are reporting Harmonized Agristability/Agri-Invest (T1273)
  
  We regret any inconvenience that this may cause.

• How do I know when to enter total amounts and when to enter details in my tax file?

  If you will be sending your tax return to the CRA electronically, you normally do not need to provide details. However, if you will be printing your tax return and sending it in by mail, details will be expected.

  Note that even if the CRA and Revenu Québec accept your electronic returns without any details, they may, upon verification, demand to see your detailed tax information. Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether you prefer to provide the details from the start when preparing your tax file, or wait until the governments ask for them, if ever.

• How long will it take me to prepare my tax return?

  This depends mostly on how much information you have to enter. 

  Some taxpayers' returns can be done in just minutes, while more complex returns can take a couple of hours.

  Fortunately, you don't have to finish your tax return in one single UFile session. You can s at any time, for any reason, and come back to finish later, either the same day after taking a break, or later in the week after having gathered missing tax information, for instance.

  To resume a session, click "Sign In" and enter as a "Returning User.”

• What makes UFile such a fast method?

  The mere fact that you don't have to find your way through and decipher a large selection of government forms (two sets of forms if you are a Quebec resident).

  All you need to do is keep your tax information handy and answer UFile's questions.

  Basically, you set the pace!

• Can I prepare my tax return in French?

  No problem. Our related site, ImpôtExpert.ca, was created specifically for that purpose.

  ImpôtExpert Online is the equivalent of UFile ONLINE for the French-speaking community. Anything you can do with one application you can also do just as easily with the other. It is up to you to access the service designed in the language that you prefer to use. UFile ONLINE also allows you to select the language of the printed return.

• What about third party filing?

  Revenue ministries consider that third party filing occurs when a taxpayer prepares his own tax return on one computer, then asks another individual to file it on his behalf. This individual is a third party.

  UFile is not a third party filing your tax return for you. When using UFile, only you can file your own return, whether you print it and send it in or file it electronically.

  Remember that you will not be paying extra to UFile for the privilege of filing electronically since you alone are responsible for filing your tax return and UFile does not act as a third party in any manner.

• What if I'm not completely satisfied?

  Don't hesitate to let us know. Your complete satisfaction is our goal. Please email feedback@ufile.ca with your concerns and a copy of your paid invoice emailed to you by UFile ONLINE.

  Please note: UFile cannot be held responsible for tax returns that are rejected by the NETFILE service. Only the CRA and Revenu Québec have authority to determine whether a tax return should be accepted via NETFILE. If your tax return cannot be filed using NETFILE, it should be printed (using UFile) and filed by mail.

• Is there a support line I can phone?

  UFile support is provided by email only. Please fill out the form on our Contact us page or, in UFile, use the support assistant found in the Help menu to send us an email.

  In practically all cases, we will be able to handle your request by email. However, should the support staff ultimately not be able to do so, they will ask you to provide your phone number and the best time to reach you in order to address your problem by phone.