Are you filing your return for the first time?
If you’re filing your return for the first time and you want to file it using NETFILE, there is a possibility your return might be rejected by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), if they don’t have your complete date of birth on file or if your personal information doesn’t match what’s in their database.
When you file your return electronically, the CRA does several validations of your identity, including verifying your social insurance number and date of birth. Their system automatically rejects a return if the information doesn’t match what they have on record for you.
Note: Make sure to tell the CRA if there was a change in your name, marital status, and/or address before you NETFILE your return. You can also use CRA’s My Account service (if you’re registered) to verify the information that they have on file for you, before you file. Contact the CRA if you notice any incorrect information before you file your return.
How do I know I NETFILE’d successfully?
You’ll know you NETFILE’d successfully once the CRA issues you a confirmation number. The CRA issues a confirmation number after it does a preliminary check of your submission and accepts your return online. This number is displayed on-screen, usually just a few seconds after you submit your return through NETFILE. We recommend that you keep the confirmation number for your records.
What do I do if my NETFILE is unsuccessful?
If you were unsuccessful in your attempt to NETFILE, you can print and mail-in the paper version of your return to the CRA. To do so, go to the File tab and click By Mail in response to the question: How do you want to send your 2024 return(s) to the government?. Print the downloaded mail-in version of your return and mail it to the CRA office that serves your city or province of residence. For more information, check out our help article, Where do I find the mail-in version of my tax return (PDF)?.
