Plan to Mail Your Return? Here's How to Get the Income Tax Forms You Need

Why you might submit a paper return

Although electronic filing—such as with TurboTax—is the CRA’s recommended method. It's also the most popular with almost 93% of tax returns filed this way in 2024. But there are some situations where you may need to file a paper return, including:

• Filing for a deceased individual
• Making changes to a return from a year prior to 2021, especially if the original was filed on paper
• Reporting certain types of income or elections that can’t be filed online
• If you are new to Canada and still considered a non-resident
• Living in a remote area without reliable Internet access

For example, if you need to correct a 2019 tax return originally submitted by mail, you’ll likely need to file a paper T1 Adjustment Request (T1-ADJ) form.

Or perhaps mailing your tax return is simply what you're used to and prefer to stick with. But regardless of whether you choose to file online or by mail, TurboTax helps you get it done accurately, confidently, and on time.

How to find your income tax package forms

The CRA offers several ways for individuals to access their income tax package, which includes the forms and instructions needed to complete a federal and provincial tax return.

Whether you want to download and print the forms yourself or receive a copy by mail, it’s important to plan ahead, especially if you’re filing by paper. That's because the CRA must receive your return by April 30 to avoid delays in benefit payments or potential penalties.

Online: Download or view forms

The easiest and fastest way to access your CRA income tax forms is by visiting the CRA website. There, you can download and print the full income tax package for the current tax year, including both federal and provincial forms. These are available as fillable PDFs, which can be printed and mailed once completed.

If you’re unsure which forms apply to you, the CRA’s online resources can help guide you. You can also choose specific forms or schedules if you don’t need the full package. This method is ideal for those who want to get started right away or who live in areas where mail delivery may take extra time.

Mail: Order forms to be sent to you

If you prefer not to print your own forms, you can request a printed tax package from the CRA. The package includes the T1 income tax return and related guides. These are typically mailed automatically to individuals who filed a paper return in the previous year. If you haven't received one by late February, or are filing on paper for the first time, you can call the CRA to request a copy be sent to your home.

Keep in mind that delivery can take up to 10 business days, so it’s a good idea to order your forms early to ensure you have enough time to complete and mail your return before the deadline

Where to mail your tax return

So now you have the forms—what’s next? If you’ve chosen to file by mail, the next step is understanding how to complete and send your return correctly. Services like TurboTax can help you fill out the necessary forms accurately using CRA’s Auto-fill My Return feature to import slips like T4s, before printing and mailing your completed return. Where you send it depends on your province or territory of residence and whether or not you’re including a payment.

The CRA provides a list of mailing addresses for different regions. Be sure to double-check your tax package or the CRA website to confirm the correct address before sending your return. Mailing it to the wrong location could cause unnecessary delays in processing.

If you are not including a payment, your return will typically be sent to a different address than if you are sending a payment by cheque or money order. Include all required documents and be sure to sign your return before mailing.

This includes:

• T1 slips that report your income, such as:
  • T4 – employment income
  • T5 – investment income
• Applicable schedules based on your deductions or credits, such as:
  • Schedule 11 – tuition amounts
  • Schedule 7 – RRSP contributions

The specific forms you’ll need depend on your income and deductions, but they’re all listed in the instructions that come with your tax package.

If you’re a non-resident of Canada or living outside the country at the time of filing, you’ll need to use a different set of forms from the non-resident tax package. These have their own mailing address and instructions.

Sending your return by regular mail is acceptable. But if you're close to the filing deadline, consider using a service that provides tracking and proof of delivery to confirm it arrives on time.

SimpleFile by phone

For some individuals, the CRA offers a quick and easy way to file a tax return by phone using a service called SimpleFile. This option is only available to those who receive an invitation letter from the CRA, typically in February of the tax year. The service is designed for eligible individuals with straightforward tax situations and limited income sources.

If you're invited to use SimpleFile, you can complete your return by calling the dedicated toll-free number provided in the CRA letter. The process takes only a few minutes and requires answering a series of questions using your phone’s keypad. Once completed, your return is filed automatically, and you’ll receive a confirmation number for your records.

SimpleFile is not available to everyone and cannot be requested. Eligibility is determined by the CRA based on your tax history and whether your income and benefits can be calculated automatically from existing records. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, check the letter you received or contact the CRA for clarification.

This method is ideal for those who don’t have Internet access, have low or fixed incomes, or want a simple, no-paper way to file.

CRA processing times

Once your tax return is submitted—whether online or by mail—the next question is usually how long it will take for the CRA to process it. Processing times can vary depending on how you file and when your return is received.

Electronic returns, particularly when filing with TurboTax, are processed within 2 weeks. Paper tax returns take longer, with average processing times of up to 8 weeks. During peak tax season, these timelines may be extended, especially for mailed returns or returns that require manual review.

To check the status of your return, you can use the CRA’s online processing time tool or sign in to your CRA My Account. If you're expecting a refund, it's a good idea to monitor your account for updates rather than calling the CRA, unless it’s been longer than the average time frame.

Experiencing issues

If you run into problems while completing or submitting your tax return, the CRA has ways to support you during the process. Whether it’s a technical issue with downloading forms, confusion about which documents you need, or questions about your return status, there are several ways to get assistance.

• You can start by visiting the CRA’s contact page, which lists phone numbers and service hours for different departments, including personal income tax inquiries. For general questions, the CRA also provides automated phone services that are available 24/7.

• If you’re having issues with a mailed return—such as needing to change your address or correct a mistake after it’s been sent—you may need to wait until the return has been assessed. After that, adjustments can be requested online through CRA My Account or by submitting a paper request.

• During peak filing season, wait times may be longer, so it’s a good idea to consult the CRA’s website or help guides before calling. Many common issues can be resolved online without needing to speak to an agent directly.

Consider online tax filing

While paper filing remains an option, filing your taxes online can offer several advantages, especially when it comes to speed, accuracy, and convenience. Online tax software like TurboTax helps you complete your return with confidence by guiding you through the process and automatically including the forms and schedules that apply to your situation.

Using a secure, CRA-certified tool means you don’t need to track down every form manually. Many programs also support the CRA’s Auto-fill my return feature, which pulls slips like T4s and T5s directly from your CRA account to help you avoid missing information.

Online filing also speeds up processing times. In most cases, electronic returns are processed in as little as 2 weeks and refunds are often deposited faster through direct deposit.

If you're comfortable using a computer or mobile device, online tax filing is often the simplest and most efficient way to meet your tax obligations. But whether you choose to file online or by mail, what matters most is filing accurately and on time—so you can avoid delays and get any refund or benefits you're entitled to without hassle.

Your taxes are done right, any way you choose.

Even if you file offline and mail in your return, doing your taxes can be straightforward with TurboTax. Just answer some simple questions, and we will guide you through filing out the paperwork.

Get Started.