Filing Your Return

Filing your personal tax return - filing methods

Use a software package to NetFile your return

We strongly recommend using tax software rather than pre-printed forms to prepare your return, because this can help to avoid errors and missed tax credits.  Many credits, such as the Canada Employment amount, are calculated automatically.  However, if your return is complicated, it may be best to have your return professionally prepared, or at least reviewed.

You can use NetFile to submit your tax return from your home computer.  You may either purchase tax calculation software at a retail store, download software over the internet, or file your tax using an online tax return.  It is not always necessary to spend money to file your tax return using income tax software.  Some of the software packages are free for everyone, and some are free if you have low net income and a simple return.   Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a list of tax software packages which are approved for NetFile, and the list indicates whether the package includes a free option.

Use a software package to print and mail your return

You can print your return from your home computer using income tax preparation software, and sending the printed return to CRA.  See the CRA list of tax software packages approved for NetFile.

Although our Tax Calculators are intended as planning tools, and do not include every available tax credit, they can be used to check most tax returns.

Professional tax preparation

You can have an accounting or tax preparation firm prepare and file your tax return.  These firms usually file your return electronically, using EFile, so your refund would probably arrive quite quickly, as it does with NetFile.  See our Business Directory to find a firm in your area.  EFile dates of operation and hours of operation are available on the CRA website.

If you wish to confirm that a business is registered for EFiling, or to find an EFiler in your area, you can use the CRA EFiler search, which allows you to search for an EFiler by postal code or by business name.

EFile is available to any individual, firm, or organization wishing to electronically file personal or corporate tax returns for members of the public, clients, or employees.  Those wishing to use E-file must register with CRA, and must use EFile certified software.  Before applicants are permitted to EFile returns on behalf of their clients, they are screened for suitability.  For details, see suitability screening on the CRA website.

Manual tax return preparation

Although we recommend using tax software to file your return, you can file a return manually.  Preprinted T1 personal income tax forms are available at the post office, or using forms from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).  If you live in Québec, see Québec personal income tax return forms.  

Once you have prepared your return on paper, you can mail it (see the CRA web page where to send your T1 return).

If you are mailing your return, you must include copies of all information slips, and most receipts, such as medical and donations.  The explanations in the CRA General Income Tax Guide and the return, schedules, or forms will tell you when to attach other supporting documents, such as certificates, forms, schedules, or official receipts.

Forms for prior years are also available on the CRA website.

Free tax return preparation

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program - free tax preparation for certain individuals.

Telefile Service

In the past, if your return was very basic, you could have Telefiled it (by telephone).  However, CRA discontinued its Telefile and Telefile for Seniors service,  as of September 29, 2012.  See the CRA page regarding Telefile.  See our Telefile for Seniors page for more information.

See also the Canada Revenue Agency information on Completing a tax return. 

Tax Tip:  File your return well ahead of the due date!

Revised: April 24, 2013