EFILE

Overview

EFILE is an automated service that allows CVITP volunteers and other approved tax preparation service providers to electronically transmit individuals' tax returns to the CRA.

CVITP volunteers can use the EFILE service to transmit tax returns for the current year and the seven previous years.

EFILE services are open for transmission in February and remain open for most of the year. To find the exact dates for the current year, refer to What’s new this filing season – CVITP.

Registering to use EFILE

You only need to apply for an EFILE number if you intend to submit tax returns electronically. Your EFILE number must be renewed annually. To register or renew your account, go to EFILE for electronic filers and click Apply for EFILE to register or EFILE Sign in to renew your account.

Important note

In March 2023, a new format for EFILE numbers was adopted. The new formatted EFILE numbers (AA123) can only be used to transmit tax returns for the 2020 and later tax years.

Anyone with the newer EFILE number format wishing to transmit 2019 and prior tax years can either:

have someone else in their organization with an older EFILE number complete and transmit the tax return, or
complete the tax return in the software but then print it for the individual to mail it to the CRA

For more information on how to print a tax return, refer to Printing a tax return.

All EFILE registrations or renewals require a RepID.

If you already have a RepID, you must provide it when you register/renew your account
If you do not have a RepID, you can obtain one by registering with Represent a Client

For more information about CVITP volunteer requirements, refer to Requirements on Canada.ca.

Important note

Although you will be issued an EFILE number and password as soon as you apply, your application may take up to 30 business days to process. We encourage you to submit your application before December 31 to ensure we have time to review your application before the filing season starts.

Getting ready to use EFILE

Tax returns submitted electronically must be prepared using the CVITP tax software.

If you are working on a computer that is also used by other volunteers, you must open the EFILE-NetFile setup and ensure that your EFILE number, password, and CVITP Organization Identification Number (COIN), if available, are entered prior to completing tax returns.

For more information, refer to EFILE-NetFile setup.

Important note

Never use another volunteer’s EFILE number and password to file a tax return.

EFILING the tax return

There are a number of steps to follow in the tax software to successfully transmit a tax return using EFILE. For screen-by-screen instructions, refer to EFILING the tax return.

In order to complete prior year tax returns with the tax software, you must install the applicable version for each year you wish to prepare. If you are preparing prior year tax returns, select Yes from the Will you be using EFILE to submit a prior year federal return, today or within the next two days? drop-down menu.

Important note

You can transmit tax returns electronically for the current year and the seven previous years. Additionally, you can use the tax software to complete tax returns as far back as 10 calendar years and then print them so the individual can mail them to the CRA. For information on how to print tax returns, refer to Printing a tax return.

When preparing prior-year tax returns, always start with the earliest year and proceed in chronological order. You must install the applicable version of the tax software for each prior year that you want to prepare.

Once you complete all steps to EFILE the tax return and click File my return now!, the tax software connects directly to the CRA to transmit the tax return. It may take a few minutes to transmit because the system conducts an initial review on each tax return transmitted.

For screen-by-screen instructions on accepted or rejected EFILE transmissions, refer to EFILING the tax return.

Remember that you must obtain the individual’s authorization to submit their tax return electronically. For more information, refer to Getting authorization to electronically submit the tax return.

Verifying EFILE transmission errors

If a tax return has not been accepted, the report will show that it was Rejected and give the error codes.

The most common situations that generate an error code are:

the individual's first or last name is incorrect
the individual's date of birth is incorrect
the date of an individual's change in status is not provided
a mandatory field has not been filled out
the tax return has already been submitted

For a detailed explanation and to find out how to resolve error codes when filing tax returns electronically, refer to the Chapter 2 - EFILE Error Messages for 2017 to 2025.

Be sure to correct the information as instructed in the manual. When it is done, you can try to re-transmit the tax return again.

Note that a tax return can be rejected several times with different error codes.

If you cannot find an error code in the manual, or you need additional help to resolve it, contact your designated EFILE Helpdesk support.

When you attempt to re-transmit a tax return after you correct an error, ensure that you have received either a green Accepted status, or a red Rejected status in the Federal EFILE Report generated by the tax software.

It is possible to save a tax return, but it should be done only if necessary. If you have to save a tax return, refer to Saving and printing tax returns and Returning and clearing information.

If the problem cannot be resolved, print a paper copy of the tax return for the individual and instruct them to mail it to the CRA for processing.

For more information on how to print a tax return, refer to Printing a tax return.

To ensure you provide the individual with the correct mailing address for their applicable Tax Centre, refer to Find a CRA address.