How to use Auto-fill my return
On this page
- Before you start
- Submitting the authorization request
- Signing in and downloading the data
- AFR instructions for the 2017 tax year
Before you start
To use Auto-fill my return (AFR), you must first use the current year’s version of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) tax software to submit the authorization request, then follow the step-by-step instructions to retrieve the individual’s information.
Remember the following:
- Close all running web browsers before attempting to retrieve an individual’s information using AFR.
- Have your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) user ID and password, or sign-in partner information available. This is the same information you would use to access other CRA login services, such as Represent a Client, My Account, and My Business Account. You need these for later in the process.
- Set the time and time zone correctly on your computer.
Submitting the authorization request
Identification
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Identification, Current address, CRA questions topics are highlighted
Family Head Identification page
Marital status on December 31, 2021 section is highlighted
Complete the following sections to proceed through the Interview tab:
- Identification
- Current Address
- Spouse interview type (the tax software only generates this section if a married or common-law marital status is selected)
- CRA questions
Type of information you wish to provide about your spouse
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Add spouse sub-tab is highlighted
Type of information you wish to provide about your spouse page
You must provide spousal information before you submit an Authorization request for the Family Head:
- Click add spouse
- Complete the Identification and CRA questions sections for the spouse
- Return to the Family Head’s profile in the navigation bar and proceed with the AFR process
If you are also using AFR to prepare the spouse’s tax return, you must submit a separate Authorization request for the spouse. This can be done at any time after completing the Identification and CRA questions for the spouse.
Electronic filing – EFILE
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
EFILE topic is highlighted
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Will you be using the CRA Auto-fill my return service for this taxpayer?
Yes is highlighted
- Under the Interview tab, click EFILE in the left side menu
- Select Yes from the Will you be using the CRA Auto-fill my return service for this taxpayer? drop-down menu
- When you select Yes, the tax software generates the Have you already filed an authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today? drop-down menu
Electronic filing – EFILE
Text version of the Electronic filing – EFILE screen
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
EFILE topic
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Have you already filed an Authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today? – No is highlighted
If UFile is open in the current tax year section is highlighted
Note
Before using AFR to complete a prior year's return, you must first use the current year’s CVITP tax software to submit an Authorization request.
Current year instructions
- Select No from the Have you already filed an Authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today? drop-down menu
- When you select No, the tax software generates a set of instructions
- Read and follow the applicable instructions
- Click the Tax Return tab
Authorization request – signature page
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Tax Return tab is highlighted
Family Head sub-tab
CRA Authorization request topic is highlighted
Authorization request – signature page
Taxpayer information section, Representative information section, Authorization information section are highlighted
Print button is highlighted
Instructions for in person settings
- Under the Tax Return tab, click CRA Authorization request in the left-side menu to add the Authorization request – signature page to the left-side menu
- Print the Authorization request – signature page
- Read the script to the individual
- Have the individual sign the page
Only the individual keeps a copy of this page. As a volunteer, you do not retain paper copies.
Instructions for virtual settings
- Under the Tax Return tab, click CRA Authorization request in the left-side menu to add the Authorization request – signature page to the left-side menu
- Read the script for virtual situations to the individual
- Submit the authorization request once verbal permission has been received
Federal Authorization - filing status
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under EFILE tab
Family Head sub-tab
Federal Authorization submission topic is highlighted
Filing status for: Family Head page
Ready for filing button is highlighted
- Once the individual signs the Authorization request – signature page, or grants verbal authorization in virtual settings, click the EFILE tab
- Click Ready for filing
Federal Authorization e-submission
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under EFILE tab
Family Head sub-tab
Federal Authorization submission topic
Federal Authorization e-submission for: Family Head page
I agree with the Authorization Terms and Conditions for CVITP check box is highlighted
File the Authorization now! button is highlighted
- If you agree, tick the box next to I agree with the Authorization Terms and Conditions for CVITP
- Click File the Authorization now!
Note
If you do not agree with the Authorization Terms and Conditions for CVITP, you cannot proceed to use AFR.
Federal EFILE Report
Text version of this screenshot
Federal EFILE Report for Family Head screen
Close button is highlighted
- CRA EFILE service returns an acknowledgement and a confirmation number
- Click Close
Federal Authorization - E-submission – Accepted
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under EFILE tab
Family Head sub-tab
Federal Authorization submission topic is highlighted
Federal Authorization e-submission for: Family Head page
Click here to proceed with CRA Auto-fill my return is highlighted
You are now back at the EFILE tab
Note
You have now submitted the Authorization request. If you are preparing multiple years, always start with the earliest return.
Instructions for the current year
- Click on Click here to proceed with CRA Auto-fill my return
- Continue from CRA Auto-fill my return in Signing in and downloading the data
Instructions for 2018 to 2021
- Refer to Signing in and downloading the data
Instructions for 2017
Signing in and downloading the data
Identification
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Identification, Current address, CRA questions topics are highlighted
Family Head Identification page
Marital status on December 31, 2021 section is highlighted
Complete the following sections to proceed through the Interview tab:
- Identification
- Current Address
- Spouse interview type (the tax software only generates this section when a married or common-law marital status is selected)
- CRA questions
Electronic filing – EFILE
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
EFILE topic is highlighted
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Will you be using the CRA Auto-fill my return service for this taxpayer?
Yes is highlighted
- Under the Interview tab, click EFILE in the left-side menu
- Select Yes from the Will you be using the CRA Auto-fill my return service for this taxpayer? drop-down menu
- When you select Yes, the tax software generates the Have you already filed an authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today? drop-down menu
Electronic filing – EFILE
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
EFILE topic
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Have you already filed an Authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today?
Yes is highlighted
Click here to proceed with CRA Auto-fill my return. is highlighted
Note
Before using AFR to complete a prior year's tax return, you must first use the current year’s CVITP tax software to submit an Authorization request.
Current year instructions
- Select Yes from the Have you already filed an Authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today? drop-down menu
- When you select Yes, the tax software generates the following message:
- Click here to proceed with CRA Autofill my return
- Click on Click here to proceed to the CRA Auto-fill my return page
CRA Auto-fill my return
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
CRA Auto-fill my return topic is highlighted
CRA Auto-fill my return page
Yes, Use Auto-fill my return in this file is checked and highlighted
- Tick the box next to Yes, Use Auto-fill my return in this file
- Click Next
This takes you to the Download my information page.
Auto-fill my return Terms and conditions of use
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Download my information topic is highlighted
Download my information page
I have read the terms and conditions above and agree to retrieve my tax information is checked and highlighted
Download button is highlighted
- Read the AFR Terms and conditions of use
- If you agree, tick the box next to I have read the terms and conditions above and agree to retrieve my tax information
- Click the Download button. You may need to scroll down the page to find it.
Note
You must close all running web browsers before attempting to retrieve the data.
Tax information web services
Text version of this screenshot
Tax information web service screen
Sign-In Partner Login/Register button is highlighted
CRA login button is highlighted
Your web browser launches the CRA's Tax information web service page.
Use one of the two methods to access the AFR application:
- If you are using the CRA login method, enter your CRA user ID and password
- If you are using the Sign-In Partner Login method, log in using your online banking information
Note
This is the same information you would use to access other CRA login services, such as Represent a Client, My Account, and My Business Account. If you run into issues with Multi-factor authentication, refer to Multi-factor authentication to access CRA sign-in services
Tax information web service – request confirmation
Text version of this screenshot
Tax information web service – request confirmation screen on the left with the SIN field: 000000000 and the next button highlighted
Tax information web service – please wait screen on the right
- Once you have logged in, the system launches the Tax information web service-request confirmation screen and ask you to verify the Social insurance number (SIN) you are using.
Note
With the UFile CVITP software, you can only enter one SIN at a time.
- Once you confirm that the SIN is correct, click Next
- Wait a few minutes while the system processes your request
Accept my information
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
T4 statement is checked
AFR retrieves every income tax slip that the CRA has received from third parties.
The system prompts you to verify that the amounts are accurate and to confirm that the income should be reported.
- Always confirm with the individual that all of their information slips are present and accurate
AFR - Accept my information
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept button is highlighted
- Once you have verified that all of the income information is correct, click Accept
Note
Some slips may require additional information. Be sure to follow the instructions provided through the software.
AFR - Accept my information
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
- The AFR service process is completed and the taxpayer’s information has been merged into UFile
- You are brought back to the Accept my information screen under the Interview tab
- All slips and other retrieved information are listed in the left-side menu, and the individual’s data is now merged into the tax return
AFR instructions for the 2017 tax year
Disclaimer
Any references made to T1013 in the current screenshots have now been replaced by Authorization request – signature page.
Interview – Family Head Identification
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Identification topic, Current address topic, CRA questions topic, Interview setup topic are highlighted
Family Head Identification page
Marital status on December 31, 2017, is highlighted
Complete the following section of the Interview tab:
- Identification
- Current address
- CRA questions
- Spouse interview type (the tax software only generates this section when a married or common-law marital status is selected)
- Interview Setup section
Electronic filing – EFILE
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
EFILE topic is highlighted
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Will you be filing Form T1013, Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative to use the CRA Auto-fill my return service? is highlighted
Yes is highlighted
Important note
Although the authorization request is transmitted through the current year tax software, you must still answer Yes to this question in 2017 UFile.
- In the left side menu, click EFILE
- Select Yes from the drop-down menu asking if you will be filing an authorization request to use the CRA Auto-fill my return service
- Click Next
This brings you to the T4 and employment income page.
Important note
Form T1013 was replaced by the Authorization request – signature page beginning in the 2019 tax season. Any reference to Form T1013, Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative in the 2017 software is the same as a reference to the Authorization request – signature page in 2019 and subsequent versions of the software.
T4 and employment income
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
CRA Auto-fill my return topic is highlighted
T4 and employment income page
- Click CRA Auto-fill my return in the left-side menu
- Do not click the Next button on this page
CRA Auto-fill my return
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
CRA Auto-fill my return topic
CRA Auto-fill my return page
Yes, Use Auto-fill my return in this file is checked and highlighted
- Tick the box next to Yes, Use Auto-fill my return in this file
- Click Next
- This takes you to the Download my information screen
AFR terms and conditions of use
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
EFILE topic is highlighted
Download my information page
I have read the terms and conditions above and agree to retrieve my tax information is checked and highlighted
Download button is highlighted
- Read the Auto-fill my return terms and conditions of use
- If you agree, tick the box next to I have read the terms and conditions above and agree to retrieve my tax information
- Click the Download button.
- You may need to scroll down the page to find it.
Important note
You must close all running web browsers before attempting to retrieve the data.
Accessing CRA web services (AFR)
Text version of this screenshot
Tax information web service screen
Sign-In Partner Login/Register button is highlighted
CRA login button is highlighted
Your web browser launches the CRA's Tax information web service page.
Use one of the two methods below to access the AFR application:
- If you are using the CRA login method, enter your CRA user ID and password
- If you are using the Sign-In Partner Login method, log in using your online banking information
Important note
This is the same information you would use to access other CRA login services, such as Represent a Client, My Account, and My Business Account. If you run into issues with Multi-factor authentication, refer to Multi-factor authentication to access CRA sign-in services
Tax information web service – request confirmation
Text version of this screenshot
Tax information web service – request confirmation screen on the left with the SIN field: 000000000 and the next button are highlighted
Tax information web service – please wait screen on the right
Once you have logged in, the system launches the Tax information web service-request confirmation screen and asks you to verify the SIN you are using.
Note
With the CVITP tax software, you can only enter one SIN at a time.
- Once you confirm that the SIN is correct, click Next
- Wait a few minutes while the system processes your request
Accept my information
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
T4 Statement is checked
AFR retrieves every income tax slip that the CRA has received from third parties.
Important note
The system prompts you to verify that the amounts are accurate and to confirm that the income should be reported.
- Always confirm with the individual that all of their information slips are present and accurate.
Accept my information
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
Accept button is highlighted
- Once you have verified that all of the income information on the Accept my information page is correct, click Accept.
Accept my information
Text version of this screenshot
UFile screen
Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
Congratulations, your data has been successfully merged into your file is highlighted
- The AFR service process is completed and the taxpayer’s information has been merged into UFile.
- You are brought back to the Accept my information screen under the Interview tab.
- All slips and other retrieved information are listed in the left-side menu, and the individual’s data is now merged into the tax return.
- Date modified: