Tax filing for the 2023 tax year has officially begun. While the Canada Revenue Agency’s File My Return service is no longer available, there are several ways to prepare and file your taxes yourself.

Certified tax software (electronic filing)

You can use NETFILE and ReFILE to electronically file (and amend)  your personal income tax return (your T1 return).

NETFILE access code

For the 2023 tax year, you will be asked to enter an access code (found on the right side of your Notice of Assessment for the previous tax year). This access code is not mandatory, but helps with confirming your identity when talking to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Free or pay-what-you-want tax software

The CRA has put together this list of free and paid electronic filing softwares that work with their NETFILE web service.

Tax software	Certified tax years	Platform	Company information
StudioTax for iPhone, iPad	2019-2023	Mobile app	BHOK It Consulting
CloudTax Free for Android	2018-2023	Mobile app	CloudTax Inc.
Wealthsimple Tax	2017-2023	Online	SimpleTax Software Inc.
CloudTax Free	2018-2023	Online	CloudTax Inc.
Wealthsimple Tax for Android	2020-2022	Mobile app	SimpleTax Software Inc.
GenuTax Standard for Windows	2017-2023	Desktop	GenuSource Consulting Inc.
Wealthsimple Tax for iPhone, iPad	2017-2022	Mobile app	SimpleTax Software Inc.
CloudTax Free for iPhone, iPad	2018-2023	Mobile app	CloudTax Inc.
EachTax Free	2021-2023	Online	XInfo Technology Inc.
TaxTron for Web	2018-2023	Online	Taxtron Inc.
StudioTax for Android	2019-2023	Mobile app	BHOK It Consulting
H&R Block Free	2023	Online	H&R Block Canada Inc.

 

*Find a list of other compatible tax softwares on this CRA page. 

Authorize a representative

Authorize a family member, friend, or registered tax filer to act on your behalf to complete your taxes and access your tax accounts.

*Contact me for details on how to give me access to your tax paperwork using your MyAccount.

 

Community volunteer tax clinic

If you have a modest income, and a simple tax situation, you can visit a free tax clinic to have a volunteer complete your taxes for you.

Free tax clinics are generally offered between March and April across Canada, but some are open year-round. Tax clinics can be in person or virtual. Find a clinic near you.

 

Paper tax return

You can always go old school and complete and file your taxes manually on a paper return. This method takes the longest to process (8 weeks versus an average of 2 weeks for electronically submitted returns).

 

Over the phone (by invitation only)

The CRA will send an invitation letter if you are eligible to either file your tax return through an automated phone line or be assisted by a CRA agent.

 

Learning more about filing your taxes

Learn about your taxes is a new self-guided online course from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for youth, new residents, and individuals who have never done their taxes before. It is also a great learning tool for anyone who needs a refresher on taxes. And, it includes lesson plans for educators who want to use the course in the classroom.

 

If you need help with preparing your tax return, Bird’s Eye Business Solutions provides tax filing services for individuals and small businesses. Find out more about our rates and book a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your needs./