Get Ready, Canada—Tax Season is Almost Here! The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will officially open NETFILE and ReFILE services on Monday, February 24, 2025. This means eligible taxpayers will have access to a quick, free, and secure way to file their personal income tax and benefit returns online.
Whether you’re a tax-filing pro or doing it for the first time, these digital services are designed to simplify the process, speed up refunds, and reduce paperwork.
But what exactly is NETFILE, who can use it, and how can you make the most of it this year?
In this guide, we’ll break it all down—plus offer some tips to help you navigate your 2025 tax season smoothly and affordably.
With deadlines approaching and potential refunds on the horizon, this article is your one-stop resource for mastering NETFILE.
From free software options to eligibility rules and restrictions, here’s everything you need to know to file your taxes like a pro starting February 24.
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What is NETFILE and Why Should You Care?
NETFILE is the CRA’s electronic tax-filing service, enabling Canadians to submit personal income tax and benefit returns directly to the agency using certified software.
Introduced to make the tax process easier, NETFILE eliminates the need for paper forms and traditional mail, providing a fast and efficient alternative. It’s been a game-changer for millions of Canadians.
Why should you care? For one, it’s quick. If you opt for direct deposit, you could receive your refund in as little as two weeks—a huge benefit for those eager to get their money back.
NETFILE is also accurate. Certified software has built-in checks to reduce errors, and you’ll get an instant confirmation that your return has been successfully submitted, so there’s no guesswork.
Best of all, you won’t need to send receipts or documents unless the CRA asks for them later.
With services launching on February 24, 2025, now’s the time to learn how NETFILE works.
Whether you’re filing a 2024 return, amending a previous return with ReFILE, or avoiding paper filing, NETFILE is here to save you time and hassle.
When Can You Start Filing? NETFILE’s 2025 Schedule
Mark your calendars: NETFILE and its companion service, ReFILE, will be available starting Monday, February 24, 2025.
The CRA keeps these services open for 21 hours a day, giving you plenty of flexibility to file when it’s convenient. However, maintenance will temporarily shut things down between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Eastern Time, so make sure to plan accordingly if you’re filing late at night.
This year’s launch continues the CRA’s mission to make tax season easier for Canadians, so whether you’re filing for 2024 or amending a previous return from 2020-2023 via ReFILE, you can get started on February 24.
Who Can Use NETFILE? Eligibility Made Simple
NETFILE is available to most Canadian taxpayers, but there are a few rules to keep in mind.
If you’re filing a personal income tax return for 2017-2023, you’re likely good to go—as long as none of the restrictions apply (listed below).
NETFILE is perfect for individuals who prepare their own taxes and want a direct connection to the CRA.
However, not everyone qualifies. Here’s a quick rundown of who can’t use NETFILE:
- Non-residents: If you live outside Canada, you can’t use NETFILE unless you’re a newcomer with a Social Insurance Number (SIN) that starts with zero.
- Bankruptcy filers: If you declared bankruptcy in 2023 or 2024, you’ll need to file on paper.
- Tax pros filing for clients: Tax preparers must use EFILE instead.
- Deceased individuals’ returns: Returns for someone who passed away in 2023 or 2024 can’t be filed through NETFILE.
- Complex tax situations: Certain income types or credits, like foreign tax credits for more than three countries or farming income under AgriStability, aren’t eligible.
For a full list of restrictions, scroll down to our “Restrictions” section.
If you’re unsure, check the CRA’s guidelines to avoid any issues.
The Perks of Filing with NETFILE in 2025
Why choose NETFILE over traditional paper filing? The benefits speak for themselves:
- Fast Refunds: With direct deposit, your refund could be in your bank account in just two weeks—no more waiting for the mail.
- Guaranteed Accuracy: Certified software catches mistakes before you submit, reducing the risk of audits or delays.
- Instant Confirmation: You’ll get a confirmation number within seconds, so you know the CRA has received your return.
- Less Paperwork: No need to send receipts or forms unless the CRA requests them later—keeping things simple.
- Free Options: Many NETFILE-certified software options are free, so you won’t have to spend extra money.
With tax season stress running high, these perks make NETFILE the clear choice for 2025.
How to File Your Taxes for Free with NETFILE
One of NETFILE’s biggest draws is the variety of free software options.
The CRA certifies many tax programs—some completely free, others with a “pay-what-you-want” model—so filing won’t cost you a dime.
Here are some free choices for 2025:
- Wealthsimple Tax: Easy-to-use online platform for 2020-2023 returns.
- StudioTax: Available for mobile and desktop users (2017-2023 returns).
- CloudTax Free: A mobile and online option supporting 2018-2023 filings at no cost.
- GenuTax Standard: Free for Windows users, covering 2017-2023 returns.
- H&R Block Free: Online option for 2019 returns.
Want more features? Paid software like TurboTax, UFile, and TaxTron may have free offerings based on your income or tax situation. Check with the provider to see if you qualify.
Visit the CRA’s certified software list, select your platform (mobile, online, or desktop), and start your filing.
Most options include features like Auto-fill My Return (to pre-fill your data from CRA records) and Express NOA (for quicker notice of assessment delivery).
Pro Tip: You can file up to 20 returns per account/computer with NETFILE-certified software—perfect for helping out family or roommates. Just don’t exceed the limit to keep your certification benefits.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Taxes with NETFILE
Ready to file? Here’s how to get started on February 24:
- Choose Your Software: Pick a NETFILE-certified tool from the CRA’s list. Make sure it’s updated for 2024 returns.
- Gather Your Info: Have your SIN, tax slips (T4, T5, etc.), and receipts ready. If using Auto-fill My Return, log into your CRA My Account to pull data automatically.
- Enter Your Details: Follow the software’s prompts to input income, deductions, and credits. The program will flag any errors.
- Submit Your Return: Once completed, hit “file” to send it to the CRA. You’ll receive an instant confirmation number—save it!
- Track Your Refund: Monitor updates via My Account, or wait for your notice of assessment (NOA) by mail or email (if you’ve signed up for notifications).
Need help? Call the CRA’s Individual Tax Enquiries at 1-800-959-8281 (or 613-940-8495 outside Canada/U.S.) Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.
NETFILE Restrictions: Who’s Left Out?
While NETFILE is widely available, some tax situations disqualify you. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key restrictions:
- Older Returns: Only returns from 2017-2023 qualify. Earlier returns must be filed on paper.
- Complex Income: Reporting certain types of income or international situations (e.g., employment with international organizations) disqualifies you.
- Foreign Tax Credits: Claiming foreign credits for more than three countries isn’t eligible.
- Farming Income: Certain farming situations, like partnerships or high-volume livestock under AgriStability, disqualify you.
- Personal Info Changes: You can’t update personal details (e.g., name, address) via NETFILE—use My Account or mail for that.
For amended returns, ReFILE can help with 2020-2023 returns filed electronically.
After You File: What Happens Next?
Once your return is submitted via NETFILE, the CRA performs a quick check and sends an instant confirmation number. Keep this number for your records!
From there:
- Refunds: Direct deposit refunds can arrive in two weeks, or 4-6 weeks by cheque.
- Notice of Assessment (NOA): This will be sent by mail unless you’ve opted for email alerts via My Account.
- Follow-ups: The CRA may contact you for verification—ensure your phone number is up to date to avoid delays.
If you need to amend your return, ReFILE allows you to amend 2020-2023 filings starting February 24, provided the original was filed electronically.
Why This Matters for Canadians in 2025
With inflation still affecting wallets, NETFILE’s free, fast service is more valuable than ever.
The February 24 launch is your chance to file early, beat the rush, and get your refund sooner. Share this guide with friends, and let’s make tax season 2025 a win for everyone!
For more details, check the CRA’s NETFILE FAQs or contact their helpline. Happy filing, Canada!
