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EFILE news and program updates

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T1 EFILE

The EFILE and ReFILE services are open for transmission from February 20, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time), until January 26, 2024. You can electronically file your clients 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 initial personal income tax and benefit returns using the EFILE service and you can file your clients amended T1 returns for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 using ReFILE.

T3 EFILE

The T3 EFILE service is open for transmission from February 20, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time), until January 19, 2024. You can electronically file your clients’ 2021, 2022 and 2023 initial T3 trusts returns such as T3RET, T3ATH-IND, T3M, T3S and T3-RCA using T3 EFILE.

News and program updates

November 30, 2023

Reminder – Have you renewed your access to our electronic services?

Thank you for using the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) electronic services!

To maintain your access for the coming year, including receiving emails from the CRA, you must renew your participation online. This will allow you to use the following electronic services:

The CRA conducts suitability screening each year before electronic filing applicants are permitted to electronically file income tax returns on behalf of their clients. This process may take up to 30 business days. If you do not pass the suitability screening process due to outstanding issues by January 27, 2024, you may encounter an interruption in electronic services. Please submit your renewal as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.

How to renew

Once you have successfully renewed your account, you must update your tax preparation software with your newly assigned password to ensure any future transmissions are successful.

Once your renewal request has undergone the suitability screening process, you will receive an email or letter to advise you of the result.

Note:  You only need one EFILE number to file all your clients’ income tax returns. Only tax preparation businesses that operate more than one location are required to have multiple EFILE numbers. If you operate more than one location, remember to complete a separate renewal request for each EFILE number.

As an electronic filer, you have to comply with the EFILE procedures that are available at canada.ca/efile. We encourage you to review the criteria for our suitability screening process and familiarize yourself with the information on these pages before using EFILE. Special attention must be made to review your responsibilities as an electronic filer, which include verifying your clients’ identity and protecting taxpayer information.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

You have to complete Form T183 for each initial and amended T1 return you transmit. Form T183 has been revised for the 2024 filing program. Please ensure that you review the changes made to the form. 

If you are also submitting T3 Trust Returns, then please note that Form T183 TRUST, Information Return for the electronic filing of a Trust Return, must be completed and signed by the trustee, executor, liquidator or administrator prior to transmission of the return for the trust.

In order to update our systems for the next filing season:

Have you lost your EFILE number or password?

Discounter information

Questions?

October 20, 2023

CVITP – Important information

The 2024 filing season is fast approaching! If you plan to volunteer at a free tax clinic again this year and wish to transmit returns electronically, you must renew your EFILE account online.

In order to have your EFILE account ready in time for filing season, you should submit your renewal request before December 6, 2023.

Keep in mind that the EFILE suitability screening process may take up to 30 business days.

If you are a volunteer from Quebec and an application for NetFile Québec has been submitted on your behalf, there may be an additional delay to be approved for the NetFile Québec service. Organizations with the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program in Quebec are responsible for registering their volunteers with NetFile Québec.

The EFILE suitability screening process will only begin once you have completed your volunteer registration and submitted your EFILE renewal request. You will receive an email or a letter to advise you of the result of the screening process.

Remember to follow the steps below in order to avoid delays!

Step 1 – Register with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) to volunteer at a free tax clinic. If you are a resident of Quebec, register with the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP).

Step 2 – Renew your EFILE account by going to canada.ca/efile.

NEW!

Please be advised that a RepID is now required for all EFILE registrations or renewals.

Please note: If you renew your account on or after October 16, 2023, you must update your tax preparation software with your newly assigned password. If you do not renew your account on or after October 16, 2023, you may continue to use your current password until January 26, 2024.

As of January 26, 2024, in order to be able to transmit authorization requests and file T1 returns, you will need to have:

As of January 26, 2024, at 11:00 p.m. eastern time, we will stop accepting T1 transmissions temporarily to convert our systems for the next filing season.

If you have questions:

Renew as soon as possible!

October 16, 2023

Electronic Services – 2024 Program

Thank you for using the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) electronic services!

We are proud to work with you to continue to build on this success story and are grateful for your hard work and dedication as we embark on another filing season.

To maintain your access for the coming year, including receiving emails from the CRA, you must renew your participation online. This will allow you to use the following electronic services:

The CRA conducts suitability screening each year before electronic filing applicants are permitted to electronically file income tax returns on behalf of their clients. This process may take up to 30 business days. Please submit your renewal as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.

If you renew on or after October 16, 2023, you must update your tax preparation software with your newly assigned password. If you DO NOT renew your account on or after October 16, 2023, you may continue to use your current password until January 26, 2024.

As of January 27, 2024, in order to be able to transmit individual and business authorization and cancellation requests, and file T2 returns, you will need to have:

In order to update our systems for the next filing season:

Access to the EFILE Electronic Filing Service is limited solely for the purposes of the electronic filing of  any return of income. Any other use is prohibited. As an electronic filer, you have to comply with the EFILE procedures that are available at canada.gc.ca/efile. We encourage you to review the criteria for our suitability screening process and familiarize yourself with the information on these pages before using EFILE. Special attention must be made to review your responsibilities as an electronic filer, which include verifying your clients’ identity and protecting taxpayer information.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You have to complete Form T183 for each initial and amended T1 return you transmit. Form T183 will be revised for the 2024 filing program. Please ensure that you review the changes made to the form.

How to renew

Have you lost your EFILE number or password?

Note: You only need one EFILE number to file all your clients’ income tax returns. Only tax preparation businesses that operate more than one location are required to have multiple EFILE numbers. If you operate more than one location, remember to complete a separate renewal request for each EFILE number.

Discounter Information

Questions

October 13, 2023

Important information and interruption of services for annual conversion

Prior to the opening of the upcoming EFILE program, the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) EFILER Information System will undergo its annual conversion process.

The following services will be temporarily unavailable from Friday, October 13, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. eastern time until Monday, October 16, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. eastern time:

The following services will be temporarily unavailable from Friday, October 13, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. eastern time until Monday, October 16, 2023, at 6:00 a.m. eastern time:

On October 16, 2023, you will receive a message inviting you to renew your participation for the 2024 EFILE program.

August 17, 2023

Share your thoughts to help us improve the Simplified northern residents travel deduction

Earlier this year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) introduced the Simplified northern residents travel deduction, a pilot project with the goal of making it easier for eligible northern residents to provide the necessary information in their claim and access the deduction. Now, we are taking steps to collect feedback and identify more ways to improve the process.

If you’re a northern resident, a tax professional or any other stakeholder with experience using the lowest return airfare tables and claiming this deduction, we want to hear from you! Your insights will be valuable in helping us enhance our services. An online questionnaire is now available on Canada.ca where you can let us know your thoughts.

In addition to the questionnaire, consultations are being held in the form of virtual and in-person roundtables to gather feedback. You can visit our consultation page for more information and learn how to participate.

You can also provide input by emailing our dedicated mailbox: NRD Comments / DHRE Commentaires (CRA/ARC).

In keeping with the CRA’s People First philosophy, we are committed to improving the process for all northern residents and will continue to seek feedback on this deduction.

Thank you for your participation!

Stay connected

To find out what’s new at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA):

July 13, 2023

Annual Processing Review Program

The Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) annual post-assessment review of individual income tax and benefit returns has started. If your client's tax return is selected for review, we will mail the letter to your office if:

Alternatively, Represent a Client gives authorized representatives fast and easy online access to the CRA's letters. Electronic filers who are authorized representatives can sign up for online mail in Represent a Client to receive Processing Review letters for their clients.

As there are five National Verification and Collections Centres, it is important to send the requested information to the centre indicated in our letter.

Taxpayer self-service

Since February 2019, payments on an individual tax account that have not been applied to any tax year have been displayed following all other transactions at the end of the online statement of account. These payments can now also be viewed in the new "Available payment(s)" section of the "Accounts and payments" page on My Account for Individuals. Taxpayers and their authorized representatives can use the new self-service "Transfer payment(s)" option in the "Available payment(s)" section to transfer available payments to an existing individual tax balance or to their tax instalments for the current year in real time.

"Transfer payment(s)" cannot be used to transfer a payment to an amount under appeal or to an amount that is not shown on the "Accounts and payments" page on My Account. For these payment transfers, the Canada Revenue Agency will need to be contacted at 1-800-959-8281. If you are calling from outside Canada and the United States, please call 613-940-8495. We accept collect calls.

Note: The CRA plans to add the option of transfers to an individual's COVID-19 benefit debt under this service in the future.

July 12, 2023

Is your EFILE account information up-to-date?

Keeping your EFILE account up-to-date is very important and updates should be made whenever changes occur. For example, has your mailing or email address, phone or fax number or contact information changed? Or have there been changes to the applicants registered on your EFILE account? If so, it would be a great time to update your account information now that the filing season is winding down.

Ensuring that updates are made each time a change occurs to your EFILE account may also expedite the suitability screening process when you renew your account in October for the next filing season!

Updating your account is easy. Follow the steps below:

Although you can update most fields yourself, some will need to be changed by an EFILE Helpdesk officer. Refer to the Account maintenance web page for a complete list of what you can do by yourself and what you may need help with. For any fields you are unable to update, please call your designated EFILE Helpdesk.

Note: Do not confuse account maintenance with the yearly online renewal. You will be able to complete the yearly renewal of your account starting with the next EFILE program in October 2023; a reminder will be sent to you at that time for the yearly online renewal of your account. No action is required on your part if no changes are needed for your EFILE account information.

We're here to help!

July 5, 2023

T1 Adjustment Requests – Enhancements to Change my return and ReFILE

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) strives to continually improve its services to Canadians. The Change my return and ReFILE services allow Canadians to request changes to their returns online.

Change my return is a secure My Account service that lets individuals make online adjustment requests for the 10 previous calendar years. Representatives can access the Change my return service in the Represent a Client portal.

ReFILE is an online service that lets individuals and EFILE service providers send online adjustment requests for the 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 returns with certified NETFILE software and EFILE software.

New features and options in Change my return and ReFILE

Additional new features and options in Change my return

We recently published a tax tip for individuals that contains information on the benefits of filing and how to change a return.

For more information on changing your client's return, go to After you file your tax return - Personal income tax - Canada.ca.

June 11, 2023

Reminder - Disability Tax Credit

Before you include the disability amount on an individual's T1 income tax and benefit return, please ask your client if they have applied for the credit before. Your client can give you their notice of assessment or the notice of determination that we sent them. These notices will indicate if the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has determined that your client is eligible for the credit. If your client is not sure if they are eligible, Disability tax credit information is also available on My Account or Represent a Client (including the Client Data Enquiry page).

If your client needs more information about the DTC, or the application process, ask them to go to Canada.ca/Disability tax credit.

While it is possible to claim the disability amount without having a valid disability certificate on file, doing this may delay the assessment of your client's return. The CRA needs a completed Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, certified by a medical practitioner, to determine if an individual is eligible for the credit. The return can only be processed with the disability amount after this determination is made.

Clients who are already approved don't need to send us a new form every year, unless we ask for one.

Thank you for your continued collaboration in offering electronic services to taxpayers.

June 8, 2023

Reminder - Do you have T1 returns that need to be retransmitted?

Did you know that you can log in to our secure EFILE web service whenever it's convenient for you?

It's easy!

Note:

A rejected transmission will be removed from this list and will no longer be displayed if:

**Imortant information**

Be sure to use the current date when searching any of these transmission links. If you do not have any transmissions to display, the system will bring you back to the EFILE login page.

Thank You.

June 1, 2023

EFILE monitoring

As you may be aware, the Canada Revenue Agency may ask you for a number of copies of Form T183, Information Return for Electronic Filing of an Individual's Income Tax and Benefit Return or Form T183TRUST, Information Return for Trusts Filing Electronically as part of its monitoring activities to help ensure taxpayer information is protected.

You may send the requested forms to us electronically using the Submit documents option in the Represent a Client (RAC) portal. You must be registered in RAC in order to use this option. Do not send the forms by email since email is not a secure form of communication. We will provide you with a specific time frame to respond to our request. If you do not respond on time, we may suspend your EFILE privileges.

In addition, after we have received the forms, we may also ask for a written explanation of anomalies that are identified.

Do not submit T183 forms unless we ask you for them. If your client has to make a payment, do not ask them to send a copy of Form T183 with the payment. Instead, refer them to the Payments to the Canada Revenue Agency web page for payment options.

If you are asked to provide copies of these forms, you can refer to the letter that you will receive for more information.

If you have questions about this message, please call your EFILE Helpdesk.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

May 18, 2023

Electronic submission of Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate

Did you know that Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, along with any supporting documents can be submitted electronically, using the secure "Submit Documents" tool in the My Account or Represent a Client portals?

A legal representative or a representative with level 2 authorization can upload and submit Form T2201, and any supporting documents at any time during the year. It's fast, easy, and secure!

This option is a quick way to electronically submit documents on behalf of clients and obtain confirmation that the CRA has received the file(s).

May 17, 2023

Update: Client Data Enquiry service

In circumstances where suspicious activity has been noted on a taxpayer's account and the file has been flagged for possible review, the Client Data Enquiry (CDE) message “Review – The CRA may review this taxpayer's income tax and benefit return” will be displayed. We would like to remind you that this is not the only situation where this message is generated.

Discounters should be aware, proceeding with the submission of a T1 tax return in these circumstances may result in non-payment of the T1 refund in the event unauthorised use of taxpayer information has occurred.

In all circumstances, if you are in receipt of this message, it is important to advise your client to respond to requests for information from the CRA. Failure to respond to a CRA request may result in additional return processing delays.

May 12, 2023

Interruption of services – System maintenance

The Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) systems will be undergoing maintenance. As a result, the following service interruptions will occur during the time frames noted below:

These services will be temporarily unavailable from 11:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023, until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 15, 2023 (Eastern Time):

The following services will be temporarily unavailable from 11:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023, until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023 (Eastern Time):

Note: There will be no interruption of service to the following EFILE online services:

April 3, 2023

T1 Adjustment Requests – Enhancements to Change my return and ReFILE

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) strives to continually improve its services to Canadians. the Change my return and ReFILE services allow Canadians to request changes to their returns online.

Change my return is a secure My Account service that lets individuals make online adjustment requests for the 10 previous calendar years. Representatives can access the Change my return service in the Represent a Client portal.

ReFILE is an online service that lets individuals and EFILE service providers send online adjustment requests for the 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 returns with certified NETFILE software and EFILE software.

New features and options in Change my return and ReFILE

Additional new features and options in Change my return

For more information on changing your client's return, go to After you file your tax return - Personal income tax - Canada.ca.

March 29, 2023

Update: The Client Data Enquiry service

Client Data Enquiry (CDE) is an information page available to authorized representatives that allows view access to various data elements of a client's account. The page provides a detailed summary which includes amounts that a client may owe as well as important reminders and messages. CDE is available in Represent a Client or can be integrated into tax software. As you know, the CRA is working to ensure that you have the information you need to support your clients. The CDE service in Represent a Client was recently enhanced to include CRA-issued COVID-19 benefit debt information. Our plan is to enhance the Auto-fill my return service in certified tax software in February 2024. COVID-19 benefit information is available via the Benefits and Credits tab in Represent a Client / My Account.

March 29, 2023

EFILE Helpdesk hours of service: We're here to help!

The Canada Revenue Agency has extended the service hours of its EFILE Helpdesks in advance of the T1 filing deadline.

Go to our EFILE Helpdesk support page for more information. You can also find copies of all previously issued messages on our EFILE News and Program Updates page.

February 20, 2023

Electronic signatures – Extension of temporary measures T183 / T183CORP / T183TRUST

Electronic signature measures announced in Budget 2021 have not been enacted, and as a result, the CRA is extending its administrative measures for electronic signature on forms:

In order for the CRA to accept the use of electronic signatures between third parties for these forms, it is expected that identity verification has been performed by the party receiving the signed form and the electronic signature that is incorporated in, attached to or associated with the form must satisfy the following conditions:

  1. if the electronic signature is applied to the form in person by the individual, it is applied in the presence of the other party using methods such as a stylus or finger on a tablet; and
  2. if the electronic signature is not applied to the form in person by the individual, it is either
    1. applied to the form that is then sent to the other party using the electronic address most recently provided to the other party for that purpose; or
    2. applied to the form that is then sent to the other party through an access controlled, secured electronic location, such as a secure website, that is accessible to the individual only because the other party has made that location known and granted access to the individual.

The administrative measures for electronic signature do not extend to the discounting Forms RC71, Statement of Discounting Transaction, and RC72, Notice of the Actual Amount of the Refund of Tax.

Electronic signature in software – Form T183/T183TRUST

EFILE-certified software may include their own electronic signature solutions developed in-house or they may contain third party solutions integrated into the software. Electronic filers can also offer electronic signature solutions of their own choice that operate or function independently of the EFILE software. As always, it is the taxpayer's choice whether they would like to sign the form traditionally or apply an electronic signature.

You may have noticed that Forms T183/T183TRUST include a date and timestamp (Year/Month/Day and HH/MM/SS). The CRA will accept a date and timestamp that has been automatically populated by the software or manually entered by the taxpayer or electronic filer in instances where an electronic signature has been applied to the form. This will enable the CRA to track the number of instances that these forms are electronically signed for monitoring purposes. This will also support internal tracking and reporting on electronic signature use as the CRA continues to evaluate options for the application of electronic signature more broadly.

Due to the variety of electronic signature solutions available, with each having their own default settings for displaying date and time, electronic filers may need to adjust the document formatting settings within their electronic signature service account to ensure that the date and time are displayed on the electronically signed T183. Such adjustments to document formatting settings may be needed whether or not the electronic signature solution is integrated into the software or if it operates independently.

Third Party Electronic Signature Services – Certificate of Completion

In addition to the electronically signed T183 forms, third party electronic signature services may also provide a certificate of completion for the electronic signature. Electronic filers should also retain this document together with the electronically signed T183 forms should the CRA request them as part of our monitoring program. Retaining these certificates of completion will be especially important in the event that the electronically signed copy of the T183 forms do not display the timestamp of the electronic signature.

Masking of Social Insurance Number (SIN)

No matter the option used to obtain an electronic signature on the T183, electronic filers must ensure that the method used respects the safety and security of personal and tax information. To that end, the CRA has recommended to software developers that when Form T183 is printed or generated from tax software, that the first 5 digits of the SIN be masked. You will notice that the CRA also follows this practice when generating or displaying notices and statements that contain a SIN.

We encourage you to review the electronic signature options available for these forms. The CRA will continue to provide updates on a regular basis.

January 20, 2023

Attention: Last day to transmit T1 returns and T1135 forms for T1 and T3

The Canada Revenue Agency's T3 EFILE and T1135 web services will stop accepting transmissions of your clients' T3 Trusts returns and T1135 forms for T3 at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023, (Eastern Time), in order to convert our systems for the next filing season. These services will re-open on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time).

The Canada Revenue Agency's EFILE, ReFILE and T1135 web services will stop accepting transmissions of your clients' initial and amended (T1) personal income tax and benefit returns and T1135 forms for T1 at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023, (Eastern Time), in order to convert our systems for the next filing season. These services will re-open on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time).

Please ensure you transmit any initial or amended T1 or T3 returns and T1135 forms by the respective dates to avoid having to wait until the new program starts.

The following services will still be available after January 27, 2023:

Thank you for your continued support and participation.

Interruption of services – System maintenance

Some Canada Revenue Agency systems will be undergoing annual maintenance. As a result, the following service interruptions will occur during the time frames noted below:

Note: There will be no interruption of service to the following EFILE online services: "Register for EFILE", "Yearly renewal" and "Account maintenance".

January 11, 2023

Reminder – Have you renewed your access to our electronic services?

Thank you for using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) electronic services!

To maintain your access for the coming year, including receiving emails from the CRA, you must renew your participation online. This will allow you to use the following electronic services:

The CRA conducts suitability screening each year before electronic filing applicants are permitted to electronically file income tax returns on behalf of their clients. This process may take up to 30 business days. If you do not pass the suitability screening process due to outstanding issues by January 28, 2023, you may encounter an interruption in electronic services. Please submit your renewal as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.

How to renew

Once you have successfully renewed your account, you must update your tax preparation software with your newly assigned password to ensure any future transmissions are successful.

Once your renewal request has undergone the suitability screening process, you will receive an email or letter to advise you of the result.

Note: You only need one EFILE number to file all your clients' income tax returns. Only tax preparation businesses that operate more than one location are required to have multiple EFILE numbers. If you operate more than one location, remember to complete a separate renewal request for each EFILE number.

As an electronic filer, you have to comply with the EFILE procedures that are available at canada.ca/efile. We encourage you to review the criteria for our suitability screening process and familiarize yourself with the information on these pages before using EFILE. Special attention must be made to review your responsibilities as an electronic filer, which include verifying your clients' identity and protecting taxpayer information.

Important notes:

You have to complete form T183 for each initial and amended T1 return you transmit. Form T183 has been revised for the 2023 filing program. Please ensure that you review the changes made to the form.

If you are also submitting T3 Trust Returns, then please note that Form T183 TRUST, Information Return for the electronic filing of a Trust Return, must be completed and signed by the trustee, executor, liquidator or administrator prior to transmission of the return for the Trust.

As of January 20, 2023 and January 27, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. eastern time, we will temporarily stop accepting T3 and T1 transmissions respectively.

Have you lost your EFILE number or password?

Discounter information

Questions?

January 10, 2023

Income tax service providers – Register for our free Dedicated Telephone Service this tax season

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers a Dedicated Telephone Service for small and medium income tax service providers across Canada. You can get free technical help simply by registering for this service.

The service connects you with experienced CRA officers from the Income Tax Rulings Directorate who will be able to help you interpret the provisions of the Income Tax Act. After reviewing your tax issue, the officers will carefully consider your question and then send you helpful information and guidance. You will generally receive this information within three business days, depending on the complexity of the tax issue. Officers are ready to assist you in both English and French.

While the Dedicated Telephone Service is a valuable technical resource to help resolve your interpretive tax issues, officers do not have access to individual taxpayers' accounts.

If you are interested in using this service, you are invited to fill out a registration form. Please visit the Help for income tax service providers webpage for further information about the service, including eligibility criteria and more details on how the service can help you.

January 6, 2023

Interruption of services – System maintenance

Some Canada Revenue Agency systems will be undergoing annual maintenance. As a result, the following service interruptions will occur during the time frames noted below.

These services will be temporarily unavailable from 11:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023, until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023 (Eastern Time).

The following services will be temporarily unavailable from 11:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023, until 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023 (Eastern Time):

Note: There will be no interruption of service to the following EFILE online services:

December 19, 2022

Update: RepID on EFILE registration form and EFILE transmission

In the past few weeks, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has received a number of questions and feedback from electronic filers on the new measures related to the RepID on the EFILE registration form.

EFILE Registration/Renewal

On November 18, 2022, we stated that in order to pass certification, the CRA will need to have at least one valid RepID on file. In order to ensure there are no delays with processing your registration or renewal, the absence of a valid RepID will not delay the CRA's suitability screening and certification process this year.

If you have obtained a RepID through Represent a Client (RAC) and included it on your EFILE registration form, thank you for doing that. Linking an applicant's EFILE number to their CRA credentials can help reduce the risk of fraud or identity theft as it provides the CRA with the opportunity to verify your identity using additional information it has on file. Having a valid RepID also allows you to use services like Auto-fill my Return or the authorization services through EFILE software.

If you have not yet registered or renewed, we would encourage you to include a valid RepID on your registration form for each applicant listed. If that is not possible, then for all missing RepIDs on your application, please use the temporary code TEMP001 for the first, and increase it by one for each applicant that does not have a valid RepID (TEMP001, TEMP002, etc.). Please note that these temporary codes are not valid RepIDs, but placeholders for the real thing.

If temporary codes have been used to assist you in the EFILE registration process, you can either keep those on file with us or update your EFILE account with valid RepIDs later through Account Maintenance. The CRA will not deny an application or certification on the basis of missing valid RepIDs.

EFILE Transmission

Starting February 20, 2023, as an additional level of security, you will be asked to enter a valid RepID when you file a return of income through EFILE software. This field will be optional during the upcoming filing season and it should be left blank if you do not have a valid RepID within the list of EFILE applicants. The RepID will not be used to track accuracy of tax returns, it is simply an additional mechanism for the CRA to ensure that users of EFILE services have been suitability screened.  

December 8, 2022

Information Sessions on the Canada Dental Benefit and One-Time Top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit

The Government of Canada is delivering targeted affordability measures for Canadians who need it most: the Canada Dental Benefit and one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit.

To support social service providers, community organizations and others who may be working with clients who could be eligible for the benefits, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), in collaboration with Health Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is hosting information sessions on the Canada Dental Benefit and the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit.

Information session registration

English information session on the Canada Dental Benefit and one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit:

Date: December 13, 2022

Time: 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST

Location: MS Teams Live and Slido

If you are interested in participating, click here to register to the English session.

French information session on the Canada Dental Benefit and one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit:

Date: December 14, 2022

Time: 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST

Location: MS Teams Live and Slido

If you are interested in participating, click here to register to the French session.

Resources

For tools and resources designed to help clients or patients understand and access the benefits, please refer to the stakeholder resource kits below:

Canada Dental Benefit:

One-time top up to the Canada Housing Benefit

Additional information

The Canada Dental Benefit provides eligible parents or guardians with a direct tax-free payment of up to $650 per year for two years to help cover dental expenses for children under 12. This benefit, which will support an estimated 500,000 children, is available to families without access to private dental insurance and with an adjusted family net income under $90,000. The CRA began receiving applications and processing payments for the benefit on December 1, 2022.

The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit will provide a tax-free payment of $500 to an estimated 1.8 million lower-income renters who are struggling with the cost of housing. This top-up is available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for single Canadians, who pay at least 30 per cent of their adjusted net income towards rent. The CRA will begin receiving applications and processing payments for the benefit starting December 12, 2022.

Stay connected

To receive updates on what is new at the CRA, you can:

December 6, 2022

Emails to clients on the Canada Dental Benefit

Seeing a dental care professional is important not only for oral health, but for overall health. In Canada, a third of people do not have dental insurance, leaving many unable to visit an oral health professional to get the dental care they need.

On December 1, the Government of Canada announced that applications for the new interim Canada Dental Benefit are now open. The Canada Dental Benefit will give eligible families up-front, direct payments of up to $650 a year per eligible child under 12 for two years (up to $1,300) to support the costs of dental care services.

In order to ensure potential applicants are aware of the new benefit, the CRA will be issuing over 800,000 emails to prospective recipients who have signed up for e-mail notifications providing an overview of the benefit and advising on how they can apply. Unlike most e-mails from the CRA, clients will not be required to access MyAccount to read an additional message.

About the Canada Dental Benefit

Depending on the adjusted family net income, a tax-free payment of $260, $390, or $650 is available for each eligible child. This interim dental benefit is only available for 2 periods. Recipients can get a maximum of 2 payments for each eligible child. Benefit payments are administered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

The first benefit period is for children under 12 years old as of December 1, 2022 who receive dental care between October 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

In order to access the benefit, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

More information on the Canada Dental Benefit can be found here: Canada Dental Benefit - Canada.ca

November 18, 2022

Important information: EFILE registration and RepID

On October 14, 2022, we sent a message titled, "What's New for EFILE Registration?" Further to that message, we are providing some additional information.

EFILE Registration Form

By now, you may have noticed that the EFILE registration form has been expanded to allow up to 15 applicants instead of four. In previous years, companies that had more than four applicants would have had to provide their complete list separately.

Additionally, we are asking EFILE applicants to provide their RepIDs on the registration form. We are aware that in some cases it may be difficult to provide a RepID in a timely manner on the form itself. In those instances, you can enter TEMP001 for the first missing RepID and increment by one (ex: TEMP002) for each subsequent missing RepID. We will begin to process your application. However, in order to pass certification, the CRA will need to have at least one valid RepID on file, so we would encourage you to update your EFILE account as soon as possible. You can provide a RepID on the EFILE registration form or later through the Account Maintenance website by signing in with your EFILE number and password.

Why is the CRA asking for my RepID?

Linking an applicant's RepID to their EFILE number will allow the CRA to further enhance the security of our systems and monitoring processes.

Has the CRA changed the definition of an EFILE applicant?

Although there have been changes to the EFILE registration form, the CRA has not changed the definition of an applicant. Therefore, it is still true that those who prepare returns in the course of their employment should not be listed as applicants unless they otherwise meet the definition of an EFILE applicant. As a reminder, applicants who have been suitability screened are the only ones permitted to file returns through EFILE software.

How do I get a RepID?

You need to register with Represent a Client. It's especially easy if you have previously registered with My Account or My Business Account, as you can use those credentials to sign in and register for Represent a Client.

November 2, 2022

Language of Correspondence on Returns of Income

As you may know, the Official Languages Act requires federal institutions to provide services to Canadians in the official language of their choice. This is reflected in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which confirms CRA's commitment to providing services in both French and English.

For example, the CRA uses the value at line 990, language of correspondence, on the T2 Corporation Income Tax Return to create notices and other correspondence in the official language of choice of the taxpayer. Unfortunately, we have noticed a few cases where the entry at line 990 did not reflect the language of choice of the taxpayer, which has resulted in the creation of CRA correspondence in the wrong language. Therefore, we ask that you ensure the selection made at line 990 accurately reflects your client's preference.

Also, as a reminder, similar care should be taken with the language selection for the T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return and the T3 electronic trust returns, which can be found on Page 1 of each return type.

Thank you for your cooperation.

October 27, 2022

CVITP - Important information

The 2023 filing season is fast approaching! If you plan to volunteer at a free tax clinic again this year and wish to transmit returns electronically, you must renew your EFILE account online.

In order to have your EFILE account ready in time for filing season, you should submit your renewal request before December 7, 2022. Keep in mind that the EFILE suitability screening process may take up to 30 business days.

If you are a volunteer from Quebec and an application for NetFile Québec has been submitted on your behalf, there may be an additional delay to be approved for the NetFile Québec service. Organizations with the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program in Quebec are responsible for registering their volunteers with NetFile Québec.

The EFILE suitability screening process will only begin once you have completed your volunteer registration and submitted your EFILE renewal request. You will receive an email or a letter to advise you of the result of the screening process.

Remember to follow the steps below in order to avoid delays!

Step 1 – Register with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) to volunteer at a free tax clinic. If you are a resident of Quebec, register with the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP).

Step 2 – Renew your EFILE account by going to canada.ca/efile

New!

Please be advised that a RepID is now required for all EFILE registrations or renewals.

Please note: If you renew your account on or after October 17, 2022, you must update your tax preparation software with your newly assigned password. If you do not renew your account on or after October 17, 2022, you may continue to use your current password until January 27, 2023.

As of January 27, 2023, in order to be able to transmit authorization requests and file T1 returns, you will need to have:

As of January 27, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. eastern time, we will stop accepting T1 transmissions temporarily to convert our systems for the next filing season.

If you have questions:

Renew as soon as possible!

October 18, 2022

Electronic Services – 2023 Program

Thank you for using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) electronic services!

We are proud to work with you to continue to build on this success story and are grateful for your hard work and dedication as we embark on another filing season.

To maintain your access for the coming year, including receiving emails from the CRA, you must renew your participation online. This will allow you to use the following electronic services:

The CRA conducts suitability screening each year before electronic filing applicants are permitted to electronically file income tax returns on behalf of their clients. This process may take up to 30 business days. Please submit your renewal as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.

If you renew on or after October 17, 2022, you must update your tax preparation software with your newly assigned password. If you do not renew your account on or after October 17, 2022, you may continue to use your current password until January 28, 2023.

In order to convert our systems for the next filing season, as of January 20, 2023 and January 27, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. eastern time, we will temporarily stop accepting T3 and T1 transmissions respectively.

As of January 28, 2023, in order to be able to transmit individual and business authorization and cancellation requests, and file T2 returns, you will need to have:

Access to the EFILE Electronic Filing Service is limited solely for the purposes of the electronic filing of any return of income. Any other use is prohibited. As an electronic filer, you have to comply with the EFILE procedures that are available at canada.gc.ca/efile. We encourage you to review the criteria for our suitability screening process and familiarize yourself with the information on these pages before using EFILE. Special attention must be made to review your responsibilities as an electronic filer, which include verifying your clients' identity and protecting taxpayer information.

Important Note: You have to complete Form T183 for each initial and amended T1 return you transmit. Form T183 will be revised for the 2023 filing program. Please ensure that you review the changes made to the form.

How to renew

Make an online request at canada.ca/efile.

Have you lost your EFILE number or password?

Note: You only need one EFILE number to file all your clients' income tax returns. Only tax preparation businesses that operate more than one location are required to have multiple EFILE numbers. If you operate more than one location, remember to complete a separate renewal request for each EFILE number.

Discounter Information
Questions

October 14, 2022

What's New for EFILE Registration?

The Canada Revenue Agency has planned a number of important new changes for the upcoming filing season that are designed to enhance the tax-filing experience and improve the safety and security of our systems. When you register or renew your EFILE credentials this fall, you will notice changes to the EFILE registration form that we felt were important to communicate to you separately from our annual conversion message.

Although the definition of an EFILE applicant has not changed, you will be able to enter up to fifteen applicants instead of four. You will also be asked to provide the RepID for each applicant on your EFILE registration form. Employees who prepare returns in the course of their employment should not be listed as applicants, unless they otherwise meet the definition of an EFILE applicant. Please ensure you review the definition of an EFILE applicant linked above. These changes will enable the CRA to further automate the EFILE suitability screening process and link applicants to representative credentials to support effective monitoring of EFILE activities and services.

As an important reminder, access to the EFILE Electronic Filing Service is limited solely for the purpose of the electronic filing of any return of income. Any other use is prohibited.

If you miss any of our messages throughout the year, you can find a record of them on our EFILE news and program updates page. We look forward to a successful filing season ahead!

October 13, 2022

Important information and interruption of services for annual conversion

Prior to the opening of the upcoming EFILE program, the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) EFILER Information System will undergo its annual conversion process.

The following services will be temporarily unavailable from Friday, October 14, 2022, at 11:00 p.m. eastern time until Monday, October 17, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. eastern time:

The following services will be temporarily unavailable from Friday, October 14, 2022, at 11:00 p.m. eastern time until Monday, October 17, 2022, at 6:00 a.m. eastern time:

On October 17, 2022, you will receive a message inviting you to renew your participation for the 2023 EFILE program.

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