How to File Canadian Taxes Online
Canadians can file their income taxes online using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) NETFILE service. NETFILE is free to use, but you have to buy income tax preparation software to use the service. Some software companies offer free versions of their products if you are a student or have a low income. You can use NETFILE for almost any income tax return, though there are some restrictions: You can only file for the most recent tax year and you cannot use NETFILE if you declared bankruptcy in the previous tax year or if you are filing an amended tax return.
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Instructions
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Get a NETFILE access code. You should have received a four digit code with your T1 personal income tax return package in the mail. You need this code to file your taxes online. If you did not receive one, you can get one with the CRA's NETFILE access code online service. Find a link to this in Resources.
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Gather all of your income tax documentation. Get your T4 slip from your employer, collect all of your relevant receipts and any other documentation related to your income tax.
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Get NETFILE-certified income tax preparation software. There are many approved options for Windows, Macintosh and web applications. Find a link to the full list in Resources.
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Prepare your tax return using your tax preparation software. Your software will guide you through the process and do the calculations for you.
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Save your completed return as a ".tax" file. The CRA only accepts files with the ".tax" suffix. Any other suffix, such as ".doc" will be rejected.
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Go the CRA's NETFILE webpage. Find a link to this page in Resources.
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Click on "Ready to file".
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Read the Terms and Conditions and click on "Agree".
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Fill in your NETFILE access code, birth date and social insurance number.
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Attach your ".tax" file that you saved after preparing your tax return with your software.
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Read the information about having a balance. This page will give you information on how to pay any balance that you owe to the CRA. You can pay your balance through an online bank account, in person at your bank or by mailing a check or money order to the CRA.
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Click on "File my return now!". This will send your tax return to the CRA. You will receive a confirmation number that you should keep for your records.
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Tips & Warnings
You cannot use NETFILE if it is your first time filing a tax return.
Keep the paper copies of all of your receipts and forms. Though you don't need to send them when filing online, the CRA could ask to see them in the future.
References
Resources
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