How to use AFR
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How to use Auto-fill my return
Before you start
To use Auto-fill my return (AFR), volunteers must first submit the authorization request using the current year’s version of UFile CVITP software, then follow the step-by-step instructions to download the individual’s information.
Remember the following:
- Close all web browsers that you have running before attempting to download an individual’s information through AFR
- Have your CRA user ID and password or sign-in partner information available. This is the same information you would use to access other CRA login services, such as Represent a Client, My Account, and My Business Account. You will need these later in the process
- Set the time and time zone correctly on your computer
- Screen-by-screen instructions - Submitting the authorization request
Disclaimer
This training uses screenshots taken from prior versions of the UFile CVITP software. Consequently, the images may differ slightly from the current version of UFile CVITP. The content is accurate, and generally, the only difference will be the tax year being referenced. Should the current year’s software contain any significant changes, a new screenshot will be published as soon as possible.
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Identification, Current address, CRA questions topics are highlighted
Family Head Identification page
Marital status on December 31, 2019 section is highlighted
Interview
- Proceed through the Interview tab by completing the following sections:
- Identification
- Current Address
- Spouse interview type (this option will only display if you select a married or common-law marital status for the individual)
- CRA questions
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Add spouse sub-tab is highlighted
Type of information you wish to provide about your spouse page
Spousal information
Note: If providing spousal information, you must do so before submitting an Authorization request for the Family Head.
- Click add spouse
- Complete the Identification and CRA questions sections for the spouse
- Return to the Family Head’s profile in the navigation bar and proceed with the AFR process
If you are also using AFR to file the spouse’s return, you must also submit an Authorization request for the spouse. This can be done at any time once the Identification and CRA questions have been completed for the spouse.
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
EFILE topic is highlighted
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Will you be using the CRA Auto-fill my return service for this taxpayer?
Yes is highlighted
Electronic filing - Questions
- Under the Interview tab, in the left side menu, select EFILE
- Select Yes to the question Will you be using the CRA Auto-fill my return service for this taxpayer?
When you answer Yes to this question, a new question will show up asking, Have you already filed an authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today?
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
EFILE topic
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Have you already filed an Authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today? – No is highlighted
If UFile is open in the current tax year section is highlighted
Electronic filing - Questions
Reminder: Before completing a prior year's return using AFR, you must first submit an Authorization request using current year UFile CVITP software.
Current year instructions:
- Answer No to the question Have you already filed an Authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today?
- Once you’ve answered No, instructions will be displayed. Read the instructions
- Click the Tax Return tab
Text version
UFile screen
Tax Return tab is highlighted
Julius Test sub-tab
CRA Authorization request topic is highlighted
Authorization request – signature page
Taxpayer information section, Representative information section, Authorization information section are highlighted
Print button is highlighted
Authorization request – signature page
- On the Tax Return tab, select CRA Authorization request from the left side menu to populate the Authorization request – signature page from the left side menu
- Print the Authorization request – signature page
- Read the script to the individual
- Ask the individual to sign the page
Note: Only the individual keeps a copy of this page. Volunteers do not retain paper copies.
Text version
UFile screen
Under EFILE tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Federal Authorization submission topic is highlighted
Filing status for: Julius Test page
Ready for filing button is highlighted
Federal Authorization - filing status
- Once the Authorization request – signature page is signed by the individual, click the EFILE tab
- Click Federal Authorization submission in the left side menu or Click Ready for filing (clicking one or the other will bring you to the same result page)
Text version
UFile screen
Under EFILE tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Federal Authorization submission topic
Federal Authorization e-submission for: Julius Test page
I agree with the Authorization Terms and Conditions for CVITP check box is highlighted
File the Authorization now! button is highlighted
Federal Authorization e-submission
- If you agree, check the box I agree with the Authorization Terms and Conditions for CVITP
- Click File the Authorization now!
Note: If you do not agree with the Authorization Terms and Conditions for CVITP, you cannot proceed with using AFR.
Text version
Federal EFILE Report for Julius Test screen
Close button is highlighted
Authorization request - Process confirmation
- CRA EFILE service returns an acknowledgement and a confirmation number
- Click Close
Text version
UFile screen
Under EFILE tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Federal Authorization submission topic is highlighted
Federal Authorization e-submission for: Julius Test page
Click here to proceed with CRA Auto-fill my return is highlighted
Federal Authorization - E-submission
- You are now back to UFile at the EFILE tab
Note: The Authorization request is now submitted. If you are preparing multiple years, always start with the earliest return.
For 2021 instructions
- Click on Click here to proceed with CRA Auto-fill my return
- Continue from CRA Auto-fill my return of Screen-by-Screen instructions – Using AFR for 2018 – 2021
2018 to 2020 instructions:
2017 instructions:
- Proceed through the Interview tab by completing the following sections:
- Screen-by-screen instructions – Using AFR for 2018 – 2021
Disclaimer
This training uses screenshots taken from prior versions of the UFile CVITP software. Consequently, the images may differ slightly from the current version of UFile CVITP. The content is accurate, and generally, the only difference will be the tax year being referenced. Should the current year’s software contain any significant changes, a new screenshot will be published as soon as possible.
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Identification, Current address, CRA questions topics are highlighted
Family Head Identification page
Marital status on December 31, 2019 section is highlighted
Interview
- Proceed through the Interview tab by completing the following sections:
- Identification
- Current Address
- Spouse interview type (this option will only display if you select a married or common-law marital status for the individual)
- CRA questions
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
EFILE topic is highlighted
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Will you be using the CRA Auto-fill my return service for this taxpayer?
Yes is highlighted
Electronic filing - Questions
- Under the Interview tab, in the left side menu, select EFILE
- Select Yes to the question Will you be using the CRA Auto-fill my return service for this taxpayer?
When you answer Yes to this question, a new question will show up asking, Have you already filed an authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today?
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
EFILE topic
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Have you already filed an Authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today?
Yes is highlighted
Click here to proceed with CRA Auto-fill my return. is highlighted
Electronic filing - Questions
Reminder: Before completing a prior year's return using AFR, you must first submit an Authorization request using current year UFile CVITP software.
Current year instructions:
- Answer Yes to the question Have you already filed an Authorization request successfully for this taxpayer today?
- Once you answer Yes, the following message will appear:
- Click here to proceed with CRA Autofill my return.
- Select Click here to proceed to the CRA Auto-fill my return page
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
CRA Auto-fill my return topic is highlighted
CRA Auto-fill my return page
Yes, Use Auto-fill my return in this file is checked and highlighted
CRA Auto-fill my return
- Check the box Yes, Use Auto-fill my return in this file
- Click Next
Note: This will take you to the Download my information page.
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Download my information topic is highlighted
Download my information page
I have read the terms and conditions above and agree to retrieve my tax information is checked and highlighted
Download button is highlighted
Auto-fill my return (AFR) Terms and conditions of use
- Read the AFR Terms and conditions of use
- If you agree, check the box indicating I have read the terms and conditions above and agree to retrieve my tax information
- Click the Download button. You may need to scroll down the page to see it.
Note: You must close all web browsers that you have running before attempting to download the data.
Text version
Tax information web service screen
Sign-In Partner Login/Register button is highlighted
CRA login button is highlighted
Accessing CRA web services (AFR)
Your web browser will open the CRA's Tax information web service page.
Use one of the two methods below to access the AFR application:
1. If you are using the CRA login method, enter your CRA user ID and password
2. If you are using the Sign-In Partner Login method, login using your online banking information
Note: This is the same information you would use to access other CRA login services, such as Represent a Client, My Account, and My Business Account. If you run into issues with Multi-factor authentication, see Multi-factor authentication – Auto-fill my return (AFR) and CVITP volunteers.
Text version
Tax information web service – request confirmation screen on the left with the SIN field: 000000000 and the next button highlighted
Tax information web service – please wait screen on the right
AFR - Verify the SIN
Once you have logged in, you will be taken to the Tax information web service-request confirmation screen and asked to verify the SIN you are using AFR.
Note: With the UFile CVITP software, you can only enter one SIN at a time.
- Once you confirm that the SIN is correct, click Next.
- You will need to wait a few minutes for the system to process your request.
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
T4 statement is checked
AFR - Review the information
Auto-fill my return brings forward all income tax slips that the CRA has received from third parties into UFile.
Note: You will be prompted to verify that the amounts are accurate and confirm that the income should be reported.
- Always confirm with the taxpayer that the system is showing all of their information slips
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept button is highlighted
AFR - Accept the information
- Once you have verified that all of the income information is correct, click Accept
Note: Some slips may require additional information. Be sure to follow the instructions provided through the software.
Text version
UFile screen
Under Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
Data merging
- The AFR service process is completed
- You are brought back to the Accept my information screen under the Interview tab
- All slips and other information that were downloaded are listed in the left side menu, and the individual’s data is now merged into the return
This is the end of the AFR process. For more information on completing a tax return, please refer to Preparing income tax returns: before, during and after.
Note: AFR can only download information that the CRA has available at the time of filing. For more information, see Before you begin.
- Proceed through the Interview tab by completing the following sections:
- Screen-by-screen instructions – Using AFR for 2017
Disclaimer
This training uses screenshots taken from prior versions of the UFile CVITP software. Consequently, the images may differ slightly from the current version of UFile CVITP. The content is accurate, and generally, the only difference will be the tax year being referenced. Should the current year’s software contain any significant changes, a new screenshot will be published as soon as possible.
Any references made to T1013 in the current screenshots have now been replaced by Authorization request – signature page.
Text version
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
Identification topic, Current address topic, CRA questions topic, Interview setup topic are highlighted
Family Head Identification page
Marital status on December 31, 2017, is highlighted
Interview
- Proceed through the Interview tab by completing the following sections:
- Identification
- Current address
- CRA questions
- Spouse interview type (this option will only display if you select married or common-law as marital status for the taxpayer)
- Interview Setup section
Text version
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
EFILE topic is highlighted
Electronic filing – EFILE page
Will you be filing Form T1013, Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative to use the CRA Auto-fill my return service? is highlighted
Yes is highlighted
Electronic filing - EFILE
Note: Although the authorization request is transmitted through the current year UFile software, you must still answer Yes to this question in 2017 UFile.
- In the left side menu, select EFILE
- Select Yes to the question that asks you if you will be filing an authorization request to use the CRA Auto-fill my return service
- Click Next
This will bring you to the T4 and employment income page.
Note: Form T1013 was replaced by the Authorization request – signature page beginning in the 2019 tax filing season. Any reference to Form T1013, Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative in the 2017 software is the same as a reference to the Authorization request – signature page in 2019 and subsequent versions of the software.
Text version
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
CRA Auto-fill my return topic is highlighted
T4 and employment income page
T4 and employment income
- Select CRA Auto-fill my return from the left side menu
- Do not click the Next button on this page
Text version
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
CRA Auto-fill my return topic
CRA Auto-fill my return page
Yes, Use Auto-fill my return in this file is checked and highlighted
CRA Auto-fill my return
- In this section, check the box Yes, Use Auto-fill my return in this file
- Click Next
- This will take you to the Download my information screen
Text version
UFile screen
Interview tab
Family Head sub-tab
EFILE topic is highlighted
Download my information page
I have read the terms and conditions above and agree to retrieve my tax information is checked and highlighted
Download button is highlighted
AFR terms and conditions of use
- Read the text under AFR terms and conditions of use
- If you agree, check the box indicating I have read the terms and conditions above and agree to retrieve my tax information
- Click the Download button. You may need to scroll down the page to see it.
Note: You must close all web browsers that you have running before attempting to download the data.
Text version
Tax information web service screen
Sign-In Partner Login/Register button is highlighted
CRA login button is highlighted
Accessing CRA web services (AFR)
Your web browser will open the CRA's Tax information web service page.
Use one of the two methods below to access the AFR application:
1. If you are using the CRA login method, enter your CRA user ID and password
2. If you are using the Sign-In Partner Login method, login using your online banking information
Note: This is the same information you would use to access other CRA login services, such as Represent a Client, My Account, and My Business Account. If you run into issues with Multi-factor authentication, see Multi-factor authentication – Auto-fill my return (AFR) and CVITP volunteer.
Text version
Tax information web service – request confirmation screen on the left with the SIN field: 000000000 and the next button are highlighted
Tax information web service – please wait screen on the right
AFR – Verify the SIN
Once you have logged in, you will be taken to the Tax information web service-request confirmation screen and asked to verify the SIN you are using AFR.
Note: With the UFile CVITP software, you can only enter one SIN at a time.
- Once you confirm that the SIN is correct, click Next
- You will need to wait a few minutes for the system to process your request.
Text version
UFile screen
Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
T4 Statement is checked
AFR - Review the information
Auto-fill my return brings forward all income tax slips that the CRA has received from third parties into UFile.
Note: You will be prompted to verify that the amounts are accurate and confirm that the income should be reported.
- Always confirm with the taxpayer that the system is showing all of their information slips
Text version
UFile screen
Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
T5 Statement page
Accept button is highlighted
AFR – Accept the information
- Once you have verified that all of the income information is correct, click Accept
Note: Some slips may require additional information. Be sure to follow instructions provided through the software
Text version
UFile screen
Interview tab
Julius Test sub-tab
Accept my information topic is highlighted
Accept my information page
Congratulations, your data has been successfully merged into your file is highlighted
Data merging
- The AFR service process is completed
- You are brought back to the Accept my information screen under the Interview tab
- All slips and other information that were downloaded are listed in the left side menu, and the individual’s data is now merged into the return
This is the end of the AFR process. For more information on completing a tax return, please refer to Preparing income tax returns: before, during and after.
Note: AFR can only download information that the CRA has available at the time of filing. For more information, see Before you begin.
- Proceed through the Interview tab by completing the following sections:
Page details
- Date modified:
- 2022-02-11