Common menu bar

Get ready to file your tax return: top 5 ways

Whether you are a student, a senior, an individual, or you’re filing for your family, the following information will help you get the most out of your income tax return.

1. Get the facts about filing electronically

Families, seniors, students...even your neighbours are filing online. Are you? Filing your income tax and benefit return electronically is easier than you think.

Find out more about filing electronically...

Why file electronically?

You will receive your refund faster.
It's quick.
It's easy.
It's secure.

Electronic filing - myths and facts

Myth #1 - Electronic filing is too complicated
Not true! Gone are the days of endless forms and calculations. A Web product or software package that has been certified by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does all the work for you - making your calculations, prompting you by asking pertinent questions. All you do is key in the amounts.

Myth #2 - If I don't submit my receipts, I am more likely to be audited
Not true! The CRA may or may not request some or all of your receipts. This is a routine verification - not the same thing as an audit. If this happens, it usually means slipping a copy of a receipt in an envelope and mailing it to the CRA. It's that simple. When the CRA flags a file for audit, the criteria are broad, complex, and not based on the filing method.

Myth #3 - It costs money to file my return online.
Not true! There are many software packages and Web products available with different features at different price points. Some free options are available to those with qualifying lower incomes; this is great news for students, seniors, and lower income families. There are also some products that are available free of charge to all taxpayers.

Myth #4 - If I realize I am missing something, I will have to start the process over later
Not true! Most software packages and online services allow you to begin, save, and return to your return as many times as you like. You only send your return to the CRA at the end of the process, when you confirm that you are finished. If you send your return and realize you made an error, you can also correct your return electronically.

Myth #5 - I've lost my NETFILE access code so I will have to file on paper
Not true! Your NETFILE access code is only a few clicks away. The CRA provides a number of ways to get your code online. To get your code, select the right service for you.

Myth #6 - My information will not be safe
Not true! The CRA uses the highest levels of encryption available on the Internet. These are the same levels that your financial institution uses to protect your banking information

This handy checklist will walk you through the electronic process

Now that you know the truth about filing online, save the paper, ditch the calculator, and enjoy the ease of filing online using NETFILE.

If you experience technical difficulties while filing, you can contact our e-Services Helpdesk at 1-800-714-7257.

2. Do it online: electronic services for individuals

The Canada Revenue Agency's electronic services are quick, easy, and secure. Discover the benefits of filing and paying on time and online.

Find out more about electronic services for individuals...

I want to...

View

File online

Apply for

Benefit payments

Register

Pay

Make a payment

Request

Change

Calculate

Stay informed

3. Know your credits, deductions, and benefits

Discover all the ways to reduce you can reduce your taxes.

Find out more about ways to reduce your taxes...

Discover all the ways to reduce your taxes this year.

Learn about the various tax-saving measures available to you

Children's fitness tax credit
A non-refundable tax credit of up to $75 based on eligible fitness expenses (maximum $500) paid for each child who is under 16 years of age.

Watch the Children's fitness tax credit video

Children's arts tax credit
A non-refundable tax credit of up to $75 based on eligible expenses (maximum $500) for families whose children are enrolled in a prescribed program of artistic, cultural, recreational, or developmental activity.

Watch the Children's arts tax credit video

First-time home buyers' tax credit
First-time home buyers can claim a non-refundable tax credit of $750 for the acquisition of a qualifying home.

Watch the First-time home buyers' tax credit video

Public transit tax credit
The public transit tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit that helps individuals cover the cost of public transit.

Watch the Public transit tax credit video

Pension income splitting
One of a wide range of tax cuts available. By choosing this option each tax year, pensioners can split up to 50% of eligible pension income with their spouse or common-law partner and reduce their overall tax paid.

Watch the Pension income splitting video

Volunteer firefighter tax credit
A non-refundable tax credit that may save up to $450 for eligible volunteer firefighters at tax time.

Watch the Volunteer firefighter tax credit video

Tradesperson's tools deduction
Tradespeople can deduct from their income part of the cost of tools purchased throughout the year.

Watch the Tradesperson's tools deduction video

4. Review your tax package

Get the guide, forms, and information you need to complete your return.

Find out more about guides, forms, and publications...

For the 2011 tax package, go to General Income Tax and Benefit Package for 2011 and select your province or territory to link directly to your guide, return, schedules, and forms. For other year’s tax packages to go Tax packages for all years.

Series: Preparing your income tax and benefit return
In this video series, we will provide general information on preparing and filing an income tax and benefit return.

Other helpful links