CRA: How to file income tax return online

With the due date for filing taxes fast approaching, the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) has made filing taxes online fast, easy, and secure. In just once click, taxpayers can review their tax information, check their return, and send it online to the CRA. Filing online is also easy, as certified tax software programs guide you through the filing process, do automatic calculations for you, and guarantee that you don’t fail to benefit from any credits you may be eligible.And with the same high level of online security used by financial institutions, CRA ensures taxpayers that online filing is safe.

Filing US taxes in Canada can be done in three easy steps online: 

1. Prepare records needed for filing

Gather all your income tax information: T4 and T5 slips, receipts, a copy of last year's return for reference, etc. You can also register for “My account” to change address, view tax slips, change your return, check your benefit and credit payments, set up direct deposit for a quicker refund, and so much more.

2. Get tax software certified by the CRA

Taxpayers have the option to get programs for free or those that have a fee to use. Upon entering your information, the software will ask you key questions based on your income tax situation. These questions are based on the records you’ve provided in step 1. Afterwards, the software will do the computations. It also allows you to review your return and get a personal copy of your record. To find out software programs certified by the CRA, go to www.netfile.gc.ca/software.

3. Send your return online to the CRA

After you’ve submitted your return using the software, you will receive a CRA confirmation number. Make sure to keep this number for your records.

Don’t forget to file your 2015 income tax and benefit return, and pay any balance owing on or before April 30, 2016. For self-employed workers and their spouses or common-law partners, you have until June 15, 2016. If you need to settle a payment, check cra.gc.ca/payments for a list of online payment methods.