Other Topics for Certified Software

Your responsibilities using a Certified Software product
Limit of 20 Returns
Testing Time Frames
Useful information for Certified Software products
Official languages notice

Your responsibilities using a Certified Software product

The CRA does not look at the privacy policies of software developers. It is your responsibility to research such policies before buying or using a software product or Web application.

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.

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.

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. 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 Frequently ask questions on software.

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.

Useful information for Certified Software products

Check the Certified Software 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.

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.

Official languages notice

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) respects the Official Languages Act and the relevant Treasury Board policies, and is committed to ensuring all information and services on this site is available in both English and French. However, users should be aware that some information from external sources that are not subject to the Official Languages Act is only provided as a convenience and is available only in the language in which it was provided.

Information and services that are provided on this site in language(s) other than English or French are only provided as a convenience to the user when available.