The CRA recommends filing your income tax return online — Here's how to do it for free
Tax season is fast approaching, and if you're like most Canadians, the thought of filing your income tax return might feel a bit overwhelming. But here's some good news — there's an easy way to do it online, and best of all, you can even do it for free.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recommends Canadians use its online service, NETFILE, to file their personal income tax return. According to the feds, nearly 93% of taxpayers file their returns online, and it can even mean you get your refund faster.
NETFILE offers a secure and straightforward way to do your taxes online, and it might just make your life a little easier this tax season. The CRA has outlined a few of the benefits that come with using the service, tips on how to file your tax return online and what you can expect to happen after you file.
Here are all the details you need to know about NETFILE and how to file your taxes online.
What is NETFILE?
NETFILE is the CRA's electronic tax-filing service that lets you file your personal income tax return online and send it directly to the CRA. Each year, the CRA certifies various tax software programs to use NETFILE to help you fill out and submit your tax return.
According to the CRA, using NETFILE-certified software means you'll have fewer chances to make mistakes, you'll get immediate confirmation once your return is received, and you can get your refund much faster than if you submit a paper return by mail.
How to file taxes online in Canada
Filing your taxes online is a breeze. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a NETFILE-certified software: The CRA provides a list of certified tax software options, including free versions. Pick one that suits your needs.
- Gather your documents: Have all your tax slips (like T4s), receipts, and last year's Notice of Assessment handy. You can typically find many of these in your online CRA account.
- Enter your information: Follow the prompts in the software to input your personal details, income, deductions and credits.
- Use your NETFILE Access Code: Before submitting, you'll be prompted to enter an eight-character Access Code found on your previous year's Notice of Assessment. While not mandatory, entering this code allows you to use information from your previous tax return when confirming your identity with the CRA. If you're filing your tax return for the first time, this code won't apply to you.
- Submit electronically: Once everything is entered, submit your return through the software. You'll receive a confirmation number from the CRA — keep this for your records.
Who can use NETFILE?
Most Canadians can use NETFILE to file their taxes online, but there are a few exceptions. For instance, if you're filing a tax return for a year before 2017 or if you're preparing a return for someone else, you'll need to use paper forms — each person must file their own return.
You also can't use NETFILE if:
- You went bankrupt in 2023 or 2024 (a proposal for bankruptcy doesn't count)
- You're a non-resident of Canada
For a complete list of restrictions, check out the CRA's NETFILE eligibility page.
How to get NETFILE access code
Your NETFILE Access Code is an eight-character combination of letters and numbers located on the right-hand side of your previous year's Notice of Assessment.
While it's not mandatory to enter this code, doing so allows you to use information from your 2023 tax return when confirming your identity with the CRA. If you don't have it, you can still file, but you'll need to rely on other information for authentication purposes.
How do I access NETFILE?
You don't access NETFILE directly. Instead, you use NETFILE-certified tax software to prepare and submit your return. Once you've completed your return in the software, it will transmit your information securely to the CRA via NETFILE on your behalf.
Is NETFILE free?
Yes! NETFILE itself is a free service provided by the CRA. However, some NETFILE-certified tax software may charge fees. Thankfully, there are several free options available, so you can file without spending a dime.
When does NETFILE open in 2025?
At the moment, NETFILE and its companion service, ReFILE, are closed for filing tax and benefit returns. But don't worry — they're set to reopen for the upcoming tax season on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Once they're back up, you'll be able to file your tax return online almost any time of day, except between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. ET, when the system will be down for daily maintenance.
How long does NETFILE take?
The actual process of submitting your return through NETFILE takes just a few minutes. How long it takes you to fill out your own personal return depends on your individual tax situation, but using NETFILE-certified software is by far the fastest way to complete your return.
After submission, if you're signed up for direct deposit, you could receive your refund in as little as eight business days — compared to eight weeks with a paper return, according to the CRA.
What happens after I file?
Once you've sent your return through NETFILE, the CRA will quickly issue a confirmation number once it has done a preliminary check of your return. This usually takes a few seconds. This number is proof that your return has been accepted through NETFILE for processing, so make sure you keep it in your records.
If the CRA needs more details or has any questions, they might give you a call — so it's important to have a current telephone number on your tax return.
Once your return has been fully processed, you'll get a Notice of Assessment, either in the mail or through your online CRA account if you're signed up for email notifications. This notice will confirm your refund details and let you know if there are any issues with your return.
Can I file my provincial or territorial return using the same software?
Yes — in most cases. When you file using NETFILE, your provincial or territorial tax return is automatically included as part of your federal return — except if you live in Quebec.
Quebec residents normally need to file their provincial return separately with Revenu Québec. However, some NETFILE-certified tax software programs are also certified with Revenu Québec, which means that Quebecers can typically file both their federal and provincial returns using the same software as long as they choose one that is certified by both agencies.
If you're in Quebec and want to file online, you can cross-reference the CRA's NETFILE-certified software list with the list of programs also certified with Revenu Québec before you start.
Can I NETFILE my first return?
If you're filing your tax return for the first time, you won't have a NETFILE Access Code. However, you should still be able to use NETFILE to file your first return as long as the CRA already has your complete birthdate on file. If you're registered for My Account, you can check that the government has your most up-to-date information on file before submitting your return.
If the CRA doesn't have enough information to validate your identity or the information on your return doesn't match what they have on file for you, there's a possibility your online return could be rejected. But don't panic! You can contact the CRA's individual tax inquiries line for help resubmitting your return.
Filing your taxes online with NETFILE is a convenient and efficient way to manage your tax obligations. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a smooth tax filing experience and a quicker refund. Happy filing, Canada!
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