What You Need to Know About Locked Tax Forms in Canada

You've gathered your receipts, poured your coffee, and logged in to file your taxes—only to find that a specific form you need is currently "locked" or "unavailable."

This can be frustrating. TurboTax understands that when you are ready to file, you want to get it done.

However, this temporary delay is actually a safeguard to protect your tax return. Here is what is happening with a select few Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Revenu Québec (RQ) tax forms, why TurboTax's rigorous accuracy standards mean some forms will be released later than others, and why you can (and should) still start your return today.

Why are some tax forms locked?

The CRA and RQ periodically make updates to tax forms. While this is a common occurrence, it has temporarily delayed the availability of a few specific forms. We are working to finalize these updates and ensure these forms are unlocked and ready to file as soon as possible. We are expecting that the forms will be file-ready in early March, with the exception of the T1229 which is expected to be ready in early April.

At TurboTax, the standard for "filing-ready" is incredibly high, and accuracy is prioritized over speed. Because TurboTax supports millions of unique tax situations and provides a Maximum Refund Guarantee, there are an exhaustive series of stress tests performed on every form before it is unlocked.

TurboTax doesn't just check that the form exists; we validate every calculation to ensure that when you click "File," the CRA and RQ systems accept your return without error. TurboTax ensures that every single deduction and credit is perfectly optimized for your specific situation.

What tax forms are locked?

The CRA and RQ made late changes to the below forms for tax year 2025. Some of these forms may be affected online or on the desktop version or both. If your return does not require these forms, you can finish and file today:

CRA Forms:

Revenu Québec Forms:

How do locked forms affect TurboTax users? Should I wait to file?

Filers who need to use the above forms can still prepare a return fully today, and even enter income and expenses into the impacted tax forms. TurboTax will notify you or check back here for information on when the forms are filing-ready so you can submit your return to the CRA or RQ. To remain eligible for our Accuracy Guarantees, you must complete your return using the step-by-step interview process and ensure you are using the most recent version of the software at the time of filing.

Steps to complete the final steps to file your return:

• TurboTax Online: Log into your account and click “Finish and file.”
• TurboTax Desktop: You must run Check for Updates” before filing. Once updated, you'll be able to review, finish, and file your return.

How do locked forms affect TurboTax software?

TurboTax is fully certified by both the CRA and RQ for this tax season. However, all tax solution providers like TurboTax must wait for CRA and RQ updates to be finalized before integrating those new or updated forms online, which can cause delays in availability and the ability to submit your return. The CRA and RQ require all tax software providers to implement these changes, to ensure the accuracy of tax returns. Any provider offering these specific forms must go through the same update process.

Where can you get help?

Experiencing delays with locked tax forms on TurboTax can be frustrating, but it's important to remember that once the CRA and RQ finalizes the forms, TurboTax will work hard to release them as quickly as possible. In the meantime, TurboTax Canada support and the TurboTax Community Canada are excellent resources to help you stay informed and navigate your tax filing process smoothly.

Rest assured that TurboTax is working quickly to unlock these forms as soon as possible.

You dont have to wait to start

The most important thing to know is that you do not have to put your taxes on hold.

TurboTax is fully open for data entry. You can—and should—get a head start by entering your data now. You can complete your entire return up to the final step. TurboTax will simply hold the "File" button until the forms are certified and ready.

What to do now:

1. Start your return: Enter your slips, expenses, and personal information.
2. Save your progress: We save your data securely.
3. File when the forms are ready: Just review once more and submit.

Once the forms are live (expected early March), you can simply log back in, review your return, and submit.

TurboTax believes in transparency so you can plan your finances accordingly, and so we can ensure your return is 100% accurate.

Get Started

Note on our Guarantee: The 100% Accurate Calculation Guarantee covers federal and provincial interest and penalties resulting from a software calculation error. It does not cover your underlying tax liability. If you receive a reassessment due to a calculation error, you must notify Intuit within 30 days of the assessment date.