Filing your personal tax return - filing methods
Manual preparation
You can file a return manually, using preprinted T1 personal income tax forms
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 either mail it (see the CRA web
page where
to send your T1 return), or if your return
is very basic, you can Telefile it (by telephone). See the CRA page
regarding Telefile.
For 2010, the Telefile system will be available starting February 15th, for
filing 2009 tax returns.
If you Telefile your return, there is no need to send in your
paper return or your information slips, but these must be kept for at least 6
years. 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.
Telefile Service for Seniors
Telefile for Seniors does not
require the tax return to be prepared in advance. See our Telefile
for Seniors page for more
information.
Use a software package to NetFile your return
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, which may be free of charge if you have low net income and a
simple return. CRA provides a list of tax
software packages which are approved for NetFile.
 |
When you use
NetFile to file your return, you do not mail a printed return or information
slips, and if you are expecting a refund it usually arrives within 2
weeks. |
|
Not all tax returns qualify for NetFile - see the
CRA web page on NetFile
Restrictions. |
|
You need an access code from CRA in order to NetFile. If
you didn't receive one, you can call their e-service Help
Desk, or you can get an
access code online. See the CRA web page on Access
Codes for more information. |
| The NetFile
service is available from mid-February until
September 30 for filing of personal income tax returns for
the prior year. This means that returns can be NetFiled even after the tax
return due date. |
| For 2010, the NetFile system will be available
starting Monday, February 15th, for filing 2009 income tax returns. |
|
For more information, visit the
Canada Revenue Agency web page on NetFile. |
