Four Easy Steps to Successfully File your Return Using NETFILE

1. Before you start

• Gather all your income tax information including your information slips, receipts etc.
• Review the list of restrictions to ensure you are eligible to NETFILE.
• If you need to change your address or direct deposit information make sure that you do so prior to filing, because this new information will not be transmitted with your NETFILE return.

2. Preparing your return for NETFILE

• Visit the NETFILE software page for information on the various NETFILE-certified products that are available to prepare your income tax return.
• Prepare and save your return. Make sure that you follow instructions to save your return for NETFILE, which will create a ".tax" file.
• If you prepared a joint spousal/common-law/partner return, when you save your return for NETFILE it will save two separate ".tax" files, one for each individual.

3. Filing your return

• Go to www.netfile.gc.ca
• Click on "Ready to file"
• Read and Agree to the Terms and Conditions. Confirm that the CRA has your current personal information on file, then proceed with NETFILE.
• In Step one of the NETFILE transmission page, enter your social insurance number and date of birth.
• In Step two: Attach your ".tax" file.
• In Step three: This step is not mandatory. However, if you have a balance due, please read the information.
• In Step four: Read the information and select "I agree. File my return now!"

4. Confirmation

• If there are no errors, you will receive a confirmation page within two seconds.
• Please read this page for important information and print it for your records.
• If you receive an error message, it means that your return was not accepted and you must follow the instructions in the message to correct the information.
• Once you receive your confirmation number, you have completed the process.