Filing Your Taxes Without a CRA Account

Top questions about filing taxes

• First, let’s address the two most common questions about filing taxes without a CRA account.

  Do I need a CRA account to file taxes? No, CRA accounts are not required for filing your taxes. Instead, you can simply send the appropriate forms and documents via regular mail.

  Can I use NETFILE without a CRA account? Yes, you can use NETFILE to file your taxes without a CRA account. NETFILE allows you to electronically file your personal income tax return directly to the CRA using TurboTax software, even if you don't have a CRA account.

Why you don't need a CRA account to file taxes

While a CRA account offers benefits like easy access to your tax history and faster refunds, it's not essential for filing your taxes. Due to these considerations, you can file your taxes without a CRA account:

• CRA-certified tax software, like TurboTax, lets you file online without a CRA account.

• You can complete and mail your tax return forms directly to the CRA.

• All necessary tax forms are available on the CRA website.

• You may have authorized a family member or friend to file for you.

• Tax professionals can file your taxes for you without needing your CRA account.

• Filing without a CRA account is an option for those with limited internet access or who prefer not to use online systems.

How to send your tax return by mail

Now, let’s walk through how to send your T1 General tax return by mail without a CRA account.

Gather the necessary documents

Before you can send your tax return by mail, you'll need to gather all the required documents. This includes T-slips like T4s for employment income, T5s for investment income, and any receipts for deductions, such as medical expenses or charitable donations—these will need to be mailed along with your return.

Unlike using the Auto-fill my return (AFR) feature, which automatically retrieves your T-slips and other tax information, mailing your return requires you to manually collect and validate these documents.

Complete your tax return

Complete your tax return by carefully entering all the necessary details. For example, report your employment income from your T4 online 10100. Double-check key lines like 15000 (total income) and 23600 (net income) to ensure accuracy and avoid processing delays with the CRA.

Mail your tax return

Once your tax return is complete, you need to mail it to the correct tax centre based on your address or location. If you are mailing time-sensitive forms or payments, allow ample time for the documents to arrive to avoid penalties or issues with the CRA.

Retain copies

Retain copies of prior year returns and your Notice of Assessment/Reassessment. This is critical to ensure you can utilize carryforwards and have access to key tax information needed annually.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your tax return by mail and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted accurately and on time.

Using software without a CRA account

If you're a first-time filer without a CRA account or if you've previously filed taxes online, you can use specific software to help file without a CRA account. When using tax software, these tips can help:

• Gather accurate documents to ensure you report all income and claim eligible deductions.
• Choose tax software that is certified by the CRA, like TurboTax.
• Ensure all entries are accurate to help avoid processing delays.

By following these points, you can file your taxes online efficiently without a CRA account, ensuring you meet your tax obligations and avoid potential delays.

How long does a tax return take to process?

When you file your tax return in Canada, the processing time varies based on the method you choose:

• Using software. If you file your return online using CRA-certified tax software, it typically takes about 2 weeks for the CRA to process your return and issue your Notice of Assessment (NOA). During peak tax season, this may extend up to 8 weeks.

• Using mail. If you mail your tax return, it generally takes about 8 weeks for the CRA to process your return. However, during peak periods, it can take up to 12 weeks or longer.

Filing early and ensuring all information is accurate can help expedite the process and avoid delays.

Easy tax filing without a CRA account

Filing your taxes in Canada can be straightforward, even without a CRA account. Use TurboTax, a CRA-certified tax software, to manually submit forms and meet your tax obligations efficiently.

Get started