On this page

• Overview
• Eligibility
• Using File my Return
• Protect yourself against fraud

Overview

The File my Return service allows you to auto-file your income tax and benefit return over the phone. It is free, secure, and easy to use. There are no forms to fill out or calculations to do.

If you are eligible, you will receive an invitation letter from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Through this service, you’ll be asked to verify some personal information and answer a series of short questions. The invitation letter provides the information you need to use the service. File my Return uses the information in the CRA’s systems at the time of the call and the answers you provide, to complete your return.

At the end of the call, you may receive an estimate of your net income, taxable income, and any refund that you may be eligible for. To receive this information, you will need to provide your personal identification number (PIN) when prompted. For information on how to create a PIN, visit our Use a PIN when you call us web page. You can still auto-file your tax return without a PIN.

You will receive your invitation letter:

• by receiving an email notification to view the letter in My Account, if you registered and have your correspondence preference set to ‘’Electronic mail’’;
• by mail; or
• with your T1 paper tax package.

The CRA sends out invitation letters in February.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must have:

• a lower income or a fixed income; and
• a simple tax situation that remains unchanged from year to year

Using File my Return

If you receive an invitation letter, it will include the information you need to use this automated service and auto-file your tax return. If you received a personalized letter and have misplaced it, you can view a copy of your letter in the CRA’s My Account.

You can use the File my Return service starting on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 12 pm, Eastern Time. Following that, the service is available 21 hours a day, from 6 am to 3 am, Eastern Time, seven days a week. Please note that the File my Return service can only be used to auto-file the current tax year income tax and benefit return.

During your call, you will be asked to verify some personal information the CRA has on file, and answer a series of short questions. After this, your tax information will be auto-filed with the CRA.

If you hang up or are disconnected from the call before the end of the session, your information will not be saved, and you will have to call again.

If you have questions about the File my Return service, you can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.

For Quebec residents

If you’re a resident of Quebec, the service completes only the federal tax return. You’ll still need to complete and submit a Quebec provincial tax return with Revenu Québec.

Protect yourself against fraud

To avoid scams and fraud, be aware of when and how the CRA might contact you. The Scams and fraud page provides information on the ways that the CRA may contact you, including by phone, email, mail, and text message.

We strongly encourage you to monitor your CRA accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. You can find valuable information on how to secure your CRA accounts on our Security of your CRA My Account page.