Canada Revenue Agency
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Software
There is no software or Web application certified for use with the 2010 NETFILE Program (2009 tax return) at this time.
Limit of 20 Returns
NETFILE is an electronic filing service that taxpayers can use to file their own personal income tax and benefit return with the CRA. To protect the integrity of this service, the CRA has set a limit of 20 returns per computer that can be prepared with a NETFILE-certified tax preparation software each tax year. The limit may help prevent some tax preparation service providers from using NETFILE. Software developers must respect this limit to be certified for NETFILE.
The CRA has determined that a limit of 20 returns, whether printed or filed using NETFILE, is appropriate and sufficient for a NETFILE software product. This will allow even a large family to share one software product to prepare and file their tax returns. If your tax return is being prepared and filed by a tax preparation service provider, do not provide him or her with your access code. There is a separate service for those who prepare and electronically file taxes on behalf of others, which is called EFILE. This service requires users to sign-in with their own user ID and password. They do not require your access code. Before they can file on your behalf, they need your authorization. Please sign Form T183, Information Return for Electronic Filing of an Individual's Income Tax and Benefit Return, to give authorization. This form does not give authorization for someone to file on your behalf using NETFILE.
If you are a tax preparation service provider, you must not use the NETFILE service. You must use EFILE to electronically file returns on behalf of others. Please visit the CRA Web site to learn about all the benefits of using this service.
For more information please visit our News and Program Updates Web page.
Testing Time Frames
The CRA tests commercial tax preparation software packages and Web applications for use with the NETFILE service from December through March each year. The testing process takes between four to six weeks, and it is usually late January before a tax preparation software package is certified for use with the NETFILE service.
NETFILE has been designed to accept a specific file format ".tax", and the NETFILE-certified software or Web application will include instructions on how to save your tax return in that format.
Certified Software
Check this Web page on a regular basis during the tax-filing season. As our testing progresses, we will update the list of NETFILE-certified software packages and Web applications.
You should also be aware that unless you are using a Web application, you will have to download an update from your software developer. Information on how to upgrade your software is available from your software developer's Web site or from within the software itself.
"NETFILE-certified" tax preparation software or "NETFILE-certified" tax preparation Web application means that the developer of the tax preparation software has gone through a process with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to verify that their product is compatible with the CRA NETFILE electronic tax filing service. This does not mean that we endorse or recommend any product over another, nor does the CRA look at spelling or grammatical errors within the tax preparation software packages or Web applications.
Use of the software, and any omission or error in the information provided, are the responsibility of the user and the developer. Consequently, the CRA cannot be held responsible if programming errors affect the calculation of income tax and contributions payable.
Always make sure that you are using the most recent version of the software to prepare tax returns. If you encounter difficulties with the software, contact the developer for technical assistance.
It is your responsibility to find out from the software developer what restrictions there are, if any, on the software.The software will ask you to select your preferred language of correspondence with the CRA. Please make sure you choose the correct language to ensure you receive your Notice of Assessment and other correspondences from the CRA in your preferred language.
For your information here is the complete list of certified software for the 2009 NETFILE Program (2008 tax return). Please visit the software developer's Web site if you want to know if they plan to submit their software for certification this year.
Software Developers
It is now too late for software developers to register for the 2010 NETFILE program (2009 tax return). However, if you are interested in developing software for NETFILE use, you may contact us at cs-sh@cra-arc.gc.ca in order to receive an application form for next year. If the application form is sent, we will contact you in June 2010 in order to confirm that you are still interested in developing software for the 2011 NETFILE program (2010 tax return).
