How to Change Your Tax Return After You’ve Filed

How do I amend my tax return with the CRA?

Exactly how do I refile my taxes in Canada?

Once you realize you’ve made an error, you’ll probably want to refile your taxes or file an amendment ASAP. But as a general rule, wait until you receive your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA.

You can refile for up to 4 years or file an amendment for up to 10 years.

Once you’ve reviewed your NOA, there are 3 different ways to amend or refile your taxes.

1. Adjusting your return through TurboTax

To change your tax return, filed with TurboTax, there are a couple of options. You can use ReFILE, available within TurboTax, which is the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to make changes to your previously filed tax return.

If you used TurboTax Online to file your return, you'll find the option to "ReFILE" in the return manager after logging in to your account. If you used TurboTax Desktop, the option to "change return" is located under "File."

You can proceed with your filing changes through the click of a button. Currently, ReFILE services are not available for residents of Quebec but they can use TurboTax Desktop to refile.

If you’ve filed using the Full Service product, between the hours of 9AM to 5PM ET, you can click on the “Audit Defence” button of the return you would like to update in your return manager and following the prompts. Input your contact information and an expert will reach out to help make and file changes to your return.

2. Logging in to CRA My Account

Sign in to your CRA My Account and click “Change my return.” After selecting the tax year and line that needs to be changed, you can input the correct information to submit your changes.

Once you submit an adjustment request online, you can’t submit another one until the first one has been finalized. You’re allowed to make multiple adjustments on the same request, so try to have all your information ready.

Restrictions: You can only use CRA My Account to submit certain types of changes to your tax return. For more details, visit the conditions and exclusions for using “Change my return” on the CRA website. 

3. Changing your return by mail

To make changes to your tax return by mail, you’ll have to complete a paper copy of the T1 Adjustment Request form and send it with all supporting documents for the change to your local tax centre. 

If you’re a resident of Quebec, please visit the Revenu Québec website for detailed instructions on how to amend a tax return. 

Regardless of how you choose to file your current or amended tax return, remember to save all of your paperwork. You can adjust multiple tax returns dating as far back as 10 years, so make sure you hang on to old receipts, tax slips, and other documentation. When you have these, it makes refiling and amending possible, faster, and easier.

What happens after I submit my changes on my tax return?

Once your review is complete, you’ll receive one of the following from the CRA:

• A notice of reassessment, which looks almost exactly like an NOA except with the amended parts highlighted. It’s important to review this notice as soon as possible so that if you owe money, you can pay it off without unnecessary interest.

• A letter explaining why the changes you asked for weren’t applied.

Processing timelines differ depending on how you submit your changes and how complex your situation is. If you use online services, you can track the status of your request within your CRA My Account, providing some peace of mind during the waiting period.