Getting started on your 2017 taxes? We can help you to complete and file your income tax and benefit return online, every step of the way.

Follow these steps to save time:

Step 1 – Collect all your information about your income
Gather all the necessary information, including your T4 or other tax information slips, to file your return online.

Missing a slip? Don’t worry! You can find most slips in My Account or by using the Auto-fill my return service. If you cannot find a slip for the current year, you have to ask your employer, or the issuer of the slip, for a copy.

Step 2 – Register for My Account
Since your time is precious, register for My Account. This fast, easy and secure service lets you view and manage your tax and benefit affairs online.

Step 3 – Consider using certified tax software
You can file your return online with NETFILE-certified software, which lets you safely send your return to the CRA. You may also have access to free tax software.

If you’re registered for My Account, you can use Auto-fill my return to automatically fill in parts of your return with information that the CRA has available at the time of filing. Or take advantage of Express NOA, which provides you with your notice of assessment right after you file your return electronically.

Step 4 – Check that your information is up to date
Changes to your personal information such as your address, marital status, number of children in your care, or the birth of a child directly affect your benefit and credit payments. You need to keep your information up to date with the CRA so you get the right benefit and credit payments.

Step 5 – Find out which deductions, credits and expenses you can claim
The CRA wants you to get all the deductions, credits and benefits you may be eligible for.

Step 6 – Send your completed return to the CRA
The majority of Canadians choose to file their return electronically, but you can also mail your return to your tax centre.

Step 7 – Keep your supporting documents
If you claim deductions or tax credits on your return, keep your receipts and supporting documents for six years from the end of the last tax year that they relate to in case the CRA asks for them.

Step 8 – Make your payments

If you owe any taxes for 2017, there are four ways you can make a payment right away:

• the pre-authorized debit service in My Account
• the CRA’s My Payment service
• a financial institution’s telephone or Internet banking service
• at any Canada Post outlet by cash or debit

Step 9 – Know how to correct information on your tax return
Before asking for changes to your tax return, wait until you receive your notice of assessment. Once you have it, you can request changes to your return by using the ReFILE service with your NETFILE-certified tax preparation software.

You can also request a change to your return online, through My Account, or you can request a change on paper, by mail.

Getting help

In addition to our online resources, there are several other options available to help you file your taxes and get your benefits.

• If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, a volunteer from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program may be able to do your taxes for you, for free. To see if you’re eligible, or to find a tax clinic in your community, go to canada.ca/taxes-help.
• If you received a personal letter inviting you to use File my Return, you can file your taxes through a dedicated, automated phone service.
• You can also authorize someone (spouse or common-law partner, other family member, friend, or accountant) to deal with the CRA on your behalf through My Account or by filling out Form T1013, Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative.

Visit canada.ca for more details on preparing your 2017 income tax and benefit return.