NETFILE is the CRA's electronic tax filing service that allows Canadians to submit their income tax return directly to the CRA through certified tax software. It is the fastest, most accurate, and most popular way to file in Canada. Over 90% of Canadians who file a return now use NETFILE or a NETFILE-linked service.
You must use CRA-certified NETFILE software. The CRA maintains a list of approved products. Popular free options include Wealthsimple Tax, H&R Block Free, TurboTax Free, GenuTax, and StudioTax. Paid options with more features include TurboTax Standard, H&R Block Premium, and UFile.
Enter your personal information, income slips (T4, T5, etc.), deductions, and credits. The software performs calculations, checks for errors, and optimizes your return. Most software includes a review screen showing your refund or balance owing before you submit.
Through CRA My Account, you can use the Auto-fill My Return (AFR) service to automatically import your tax slips directly into your software. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces errors. You need to authorize the software to access your CRA data.
Click the submit or file button in your software. The software transmits your return directly to the CRA. You will receive a NETFILE confirmation number within seconds — save this number as proof of submission.
The CRA typically processes NETFILE returns and issues a Notice of Assessment within 2 weeks. If you have direct deposit set up, your refund arrives around the same time.
Most Canadians can use NETFILE, but a small number of situations require paper filing:
| Software | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Free (pay-what-you-want) | Simple, modern interface; great for most returns |
| H&R Block Free | Free for simple returns | Well-known brand; paid tiers for complex returns |
| TurboTax Free | Free for simple returns | Guides you step-by-step; paid for self-employed |
| GenuTax Standard | Free (donation requested) | Handles most return types including self-employed |
| StudioTax | Free up to 20 returns | Desktop software; supports complex situations |
Some software may ask for your NETFILE access code — an 8-character code printed on your previous year's Notice of Assessment (top right area). This code is used to verify your identity during filing but is not mandatory. If you do not have it, you can still file NETFILE without it by verifying your identity another way.
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