Free CRA NETFILE Tax Filing To Open On February 24

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Last Updated On 21 February 2025, 8:55 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Get ready, Canada—tax season is almost here! The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will officially open NETFILE and ReFILE services on Monday, February 24, 2025.

This will give eligible taxpayers a fast, free, and secure way to file their personal income tax and benefit returns online.

Whether you’re a seasoned tax filer or a first-timer, this digital service promises to simplify the process, speed up refunds, and cut down on paperwork.

But what exactly is NETFILE, who can use it, and how can you make the most of it this year?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break it all down—plus share tips to ensure your 2025 tax season is stress-free and wallet-friendly.

With tax deadlines looming and the promise of refunds on the horizon, this article is your one-stop resource for mastering NETFILE.

From free software options to eligibility rules and key restrictions, here’s everything you need to know to file your taxes like a pro starting February 24.

NETFILE is the CRA’s electronic tax-filing service, allowing Canadians to submit their personal income tax and benefit returns directly to the agency through certified software.

Launched to streamline the tax process, NETFILE eliminates the need for paper forms and snail mail, offering a modern, efficient alternative that’s been a game-changer for millions of taxpayers.

Why should you care? For starters, it is fast. If you opt for direct deposit, you could see your refund in as little as two weeks—a huge perk for anyone eager to get their money back.

It’s also accurate, thanks to built-in checks in NETFILE-certified software that reduce errors.

Plus, you’ll get instant confirmation that the CRA has received your return, so there’s no guesswork involved.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need to send receipts or documents upfront unless the CRA requests them later.

With the service kicking off on February 24, 2025, now’s the time to get familiar with how it works.

Whether you’re chasing a refund, updating a past return with ReFILE, or just looking to avoid the hassle of paper filing, NETFILE is designed to save you time and effort.

Mark your calendars: NETFILE and its companion service, ReFILE, will be available starting Monday, February 24, 2025.

The CRA keeps these services running 21 hours a day, giving you plenty of flexibility to file at your convenience.

However, there’s a small catch—daily maintenance shuts things down from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern Time, so late-night filers will need to plan accordingly.

This year’s launch aligns with the CRA’s ongoing push to make tax season smoother for Canadians.

Whether you’re filing your 2024 return or amending a previous one from 2020 to 2023 via ReFILE, February 24 is your green light to get started.

This service is open to most Canadian taxpayers, but there are some eligibility rules to know before you dive in.

Generally, if you’re filing a personal income tax return for 2017 through 2023, you’re good to go—provided none of the restrictions apply to you (listed in later part of this page).

The service is perfect for individuals who prepare their own taxes and want a direct line to the CRA.

However, not everyone qualifies. Here’s a quick rundown of who can’t use NETFILE:

Non-residents of Canada: If you live outside the country, this isn’t an option unless you’re a newcomer with a Social Insurance Number (SIN) starting with zero.

Bankruptcy filers: If you declared bankruptcy in 2023 or 2024, you’ll need to file on paper.

Tax pros filing for clients: Tax preparation services must use EFILE instead.

Deceased individuals’ returns: Returns for someone who passed away in 2023 or 2024 can’t go through NETFILE.

Complex tax situations: Certain income types or credits (like foreign tax credits for more than three countries or farming income with AgriStability) disqualify you.

For a full list of restrictions, scroll down to our “Restrictions” section.

If you’re unsure, double-check your situation against the CRA’s guidelines to avoid hiccups.

Why choose NETFILE over traditional paper filing? The benefits are hard to ignore:

Speedy Refunds: Pair NETFILE with direct deposit, and your refund could hit your bank account in just two weeks—no more waiting for the mail.
Accuracy Guaranteed: Certified software catches mistakes before you submit, reducing the risk of audits or delays.
Instant Confirmation: You’ll get a confirmation number within seconds of filing, giving you peace of mind that your return is in the CRA’s hands.
Less Paperwork: No need to mail receipts or forms unless the CRA asks later—perfect for keeping your desk clutter-free.
Free Options Available: From mobile apps to desktop programs, there are plenty of NETFILE-certified tools that won’t cost you a dime.

With tax season stress at an all-time high for many Canadians, these perks make NETFILE a no-brainer for 2025.

One of NETFILE’s biggest draws is the abundance of free tax software options.

The CRA certifies a range of programs—some entirely free, others with a “pay-what-you-want” model—making it easy to file without breaking the bank.

Here are some standout choices for 2025:

Wealthsimple Tax: Available online for 2020-2023 returns, this user-friendly option from SimpleTax Software Inc. is a favorite for its simplicity.
StudioTax: Offered on mobile (iPhone, iPad, Android) and desktop (Windows, Mac), StudioTax covers 2017-2023 and is free from BHOK IT Consulting.
CloudTax Free: With mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android, plus an online version, CloudTax supports 2018-2023 filings at no cost.
GenuTax Standard: A free desktop option for Windows users, certified for 2017-2023 by GenuSource Consulting Inc.
H&R Block Free: Available online for 2019, this is a solid pick for basic returns.

Want something with more features? Paid software like TurboTax, UFile, and TaxTron often include free offerings based on your income or tax situation. Check with the developer to see if you qualify.

To get started, visit the CRA’s list of certified software, pick your platform (online, mobile, or desktop), and download or access the tool.

Most options include extras like Auto-fill My Return (pre-populating your data from CRA records) and Express NOA (faster notice of assessment delivery).

Pro Tip: You can file up to 20 returns per computer or account with NETFILE-certified software, so it’s great for helping family or roommates too—just don’t exceed the limit, or you’ll lose certification perks.

Ready to file? Here’s how to do it starting February 24:

Choose Your Software: Pick a NETFILE-certified tool from the CRA’s list. Make sure it’s updated for 2024 returns (certification happens yearly).
Gather Your Info: Have your SIN, tax slips (T4, T5, etc.), and receipts handy. If you’re using Auto-fill My Return, log into your CRA My Account to pull data automatically.
Enter Your Details: Follow the software’s prompts to input income, deductions, and credits. The program will flag errors as you go.
Submit Your Return: Once complete, hit “file” to send it to the CRA via NETFILE. You’ll get a confirmation number instantly—save it!
Track Your Refund: Check My Account for updates, or wait for your notice of assessment (NOA) by mail or email if you’re signed up for notifications.

If you hit a snag, call the CRA’s Individual Tax Enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281 (or 613-940-8495 outside Canada/U.S.)—they’re available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.

While NETFILE is widely accessible, some situations disqualify you. Here’s a deeper look at the key restrictions:

Older Returns: Only 2017-2023 returns qualify—anything earlier needs paper filing.
Complex Income: Reporting Canadian income from Lloyds of London, lump-sum pensions from 1971, or employment with international organizations? NETFILE won’t work.
Foreign Tax Credits: Claiming federal non-business or business credits for more than three countries is a no-go.
Farming Income: Partnerships or high-volume livestock/crop data under AgriStability/AgriInvest rules out NETFILE.
Personal Info Changes: You can’t update your name or address via NETFILE—use My Account or mail for that.

If you’re amending a return, ReFILE can help, but only for 2020-2023 returns originally filed electronically.

Once you submit via NETFILE, the CRA does a quick check and issues a confirmation number—proof your return’s been accepted.

Hang onto it! From there:

Refunds: With direct deposit, expect cash in two weeks; otherwise, it’s 4-6 weeks by cheque.
NOA Delivery: Your notice of assessment arrives by mail unless you’ve opted for email alerts via My Account.
Follow-Ups: The CRA might call to verify details—keep your phone number current on your return to avoid delays.

Need to tweak your return? ReFILE lets you amend 2020-2023 filings electronically, starting February 24, 2025, as long as the original was NETFILEd or EFILEd.

With inflation still pinching wallets and tax refunds offering a financial lifeline, NETFILE’s free, fast service is more relevant than ever.

This February 24 launch is your chance to file early, beat the rush, and pocket your refund sooner. Share this guide with friends, and let’s make tax season 2025 a win for everyone!

For more details, explore the CRA’s NETFILE FAQs or call their helpline. Happy filing, Canada!

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.