Filing Your Personal Tax Return - Filing Methods
Manual preparation
You can file a return manually, using preprinted T1 personal income tax forms
available at the post office, or using forms from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
If you live in Québec, see Québec personal income tax return forms.
Once you have prepared your return on paper, you can either mail it (see the CRA
web page where to send your T1 return), or if your return is very basic, you can
Telefile it (by telephone). See the CRA page regarding Telefile.
If you Telefile your return, there is no need to send in your paper return or
your information slips, but these must be kept for at least 6 years. If you are
mailing your return, you must include copies of all information slips, and most
receipts, such as medical and donations. The explanations in the CRA General
Income Tax Guide and the return, schedules, or forms will tell you when to
attach other supporting documents, such as certificates, forms, schedules, or
official receipts.
Forms for prior years are also available on the CRA website.
Professional Tax Preparation
You can have an accounting or
tax preparation firm prepare and file your tax
return. These firms usually file your return electronically, using EFile, so
your refund would probably arrive quite quickly, as it does with NetFile. See
our Business Directory to find a firm in your area.
EFile is available to any individual, firm, or organization wishing to
electronically file personal or corporate tax returns for members of the public,
clients, or employees. Those wishing to use E-file must register with CRA, and
must use EFile certified software.
See also the Canada Revenue Agency information on
Completing a tax return.