NETFILE is the CRA's free service for transmitting your T1 personal tax return electronically. Use any NETFILE-certified software (Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax, UFile, GenuTax) to file directly to CRA, get a 14-digit confirmation number within 60 seconds, and your refund within 8 business days by direct deposit. The 2025 tax year filing window: February 24, 2026 → January 23, 2027.

How NETFILE works in 4 steps

1. Pick certified software — see our best free tax software roundup
2. Enter your T-slips — manually or via Auto-fill My Return (requires CRA My Account)
3. Click NETFILE — software encrypts and transmits to CRA in real time
4. Save your confirmation number — 14 digits, returned within 60 seconds, also emailed

NETFILE deadlines for 2026

The 5 most common NETFILE rejection codes

1. "We cannot find a tax return for the SIN entered" (Error 96)

You're filing too early or your SIN isn't yet in CRA's NETFILE database. Wait 24–48 hours and retry.

2. "The information you entered does not match" (Error 105 / 106)

SIN, date of birth, or first/last name doesn't match CRA's records. Re-check spelling exactly as on your last T1. Hyphens, accents, and apostrophes matter.

3. "You have already filed a return for this tax year" (Error 16)

CRA only accepts one NETFILE per SIN per tax year. To amend a previously filed return, use ReFILE (built into all major software) or file Form T1-ADJ.

4. "NETFILE is not available for this return" (Error 110 / 111)

Your return contains something CRA's NETFILE system can't accept — usually: bankruptcy in the year, deceased filer, non-resident with rental income, or a return for a year before 2014. Paper-file these.

5. "Server error / try again later" (Error 999)

CRA's NETFILE servers are overloaded — almost always April 28–30 between 5pm–11pm. Wait an hour and retry, or file early next morning.

How to find your NETFILE Access Code

For 2026 filing, CRA introduced an optional NETFILE Access Code (NAC) as a second factor. You'll find your 8-character NAC on your most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) — it's printed in the upper-right corner. Most software will prompt for it; you can skip if you don't have it but having it speeds up identity verification.

Can newcomers NETFILE?

First-year newcomers often have to paper-file because CRA's NETFILE system needs a prior-year tax record to verify identity. From year two onwards, NETFILE works normally. Full first-year walkthrough: First Canadian Tax Return for Newcomers (2026).

What happens after NETFILE confirmation?

1. CRA assesses within 24 hours (most returns) or 2 weeks (complex)
2. Notice of Assessment (NOA) issued via CRA My Account or mail
3. Refund deposited within 8 business days (with direct deposit on file)
4. Without direct deposit: paper cheque in 4–6 weeks

If your refund hasn't arrived 2 weeks after the NOA, check our Tax Refund Tracker for current CRA processing times.

What if I can't log in to CRA My Account to use Auto-fill?

Auto-fill My Return is convenient but not required for NETFILE — you can still file by manually entering every T-slip. If you're locked out, see our CRA My Account login help (2026) troubleshooter.