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All about your tax return
1-24-2017
There are several ways to file or send your tax return.
By Internet
NETFILE
NETFILE is a secure service that allows you to file your income tax and benefit return electronically using a tax preparation software or a web tax application. For a list of available software and applications, including free ones go to NETFILE.
Notes
Before filing online, your information, including your address, must be up to date. If you have registered with the CRA's My Account or MyCRA service, you can change your information online before filing your return. For more information see How to change your address.
Previous-year tax software, starting with the 2013 tax year, can be used to prepare and file a previous-year tax return.
EFILE for individuals
EFILE is a secure service that lets authorized service providers, including a discounter, complete and file your return electronically. For more information go to EFILE for individuals.
Auto-fill my return
Auto-fill my return is a secure CRA service that lets you or your authorized service provider automatically fill in certain parts of your current year return. The CRA will have most tax information from most tax slips, such as T4, as well as registered retirement savings plan information, and carry forward amounts. To auto-fill your return, you must be registered with My Account, and be using a certified software product that offers this option. For more information go to Auto-fill my return.
By mail
You can mail your return to your tax centre. If you prepare your return or other people’s returns, mail or deliver each person’s return in a separate envelope. However, if you file returns for more than one year for the same person, put them all in one envelope.
How long should you keep your income tax records?
Keep your supporting documents for six years. Even if you do not have to attach certain supporting documents to your return, or if you are filing your return electronically, keep them in case we select your return for review. We may ask for documents other than official receipts, such as cancelled cheques or bank statements as proof of any deduction or credit you claimed.
Filing due dates for the 2016 tax return
Generally, your return for 2016 has to be filed on or before April 30, 2017.
Note
If you do not file your return on time (see exception to the due date of your return), your goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (including any related provincial credits), Canada child benefit payments (including related provincial or territorial payments), and old age security benefit payments may be delayed or stopped.
Self-employed persons
If you or your spouse or common-law partner carried on a business in 2016 (other than a business whose expenditures are primarily in connection with a tax shelter), your return for 2016 has to be filed on or before June 15, 2017. However, if you have a balance owing for 2016, you have to pay it on or before April 30, 2017. For more information on how to make your payment, see Make a payment.
Exception to the due date of your return
When the due date falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a public holiday recognized by the CRA, your return is considered on time if we receive it or it is postmarked on the next business day. For more information, see Important dates for Individuals.
Note
Since April 30, 2017, is a Sunday, your return will be considered filed on time if we receive it on or it is postmarked on or before May 1, 2017.
Footnotes: Footnotes: This column is presented as a general source of information only and is not intended as a solicitation for business. Mohammed Yasin, CPA,CGA, is the principal of M. Yasin & Co. Inc., Certified General Accountants and has offices in Vancouver & Surrey,B.C.
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