If the thought of filing your income taxes fills you with dread, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) might have some good news — this year, you could be eligible for automatic tax filing for your federal tax return in Quebec.
The CRA is expanding its SimpleFile service to even more people this year, and you could be one of the 2 million Canadians invited to file automatically in the upcoming 2024 tax season.
SimpleFile takes the hassle out of filing your tax return by using the information the CRA already has on file and combining it with your answers to a few quick questions. No complicated tax forms, no confusing calculations, no expensive tax software — just a simple, streamlined way to get your return processed. And did we mention it’s free?
The CRA says the program has already helped millions of people access benefits and credits they were eligible for but weren’t receiving. Last year, over 1.5 million Canadians were invited to use SimpleFile by Phone, and by November, 93% had filed their returns — unlocking more than $3 billion in government payments, such as the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST Credit and Canada Workers Benefit.
This tax season, the CRA is expanding the service to even more low- and fixed-income Canadians with straightforward tax situations and even offering a new digital option for eligible taxpayers with a recent filing history.
If you’re eligible, the CRA will send you an invitation — either by mail or through your online CRA account. From there, you can choose between two options: SimpleFile by Phone or SimpleFile Digital.
The phone option is as simple as answering a few questions using your keypad — you don’t even need to talk to anyone. The CRA says it takes just 5 to 10 minutes, and if you already have a PIN with them, you can even get an estimate of your refund at the end of the call.
If you prefer to file online, SimpleFile Digital lets you submit your tax return in 20 minutes or less from your computer or mobile device.
Unfortunately for Quebecers, there’s a catch. SimpleFile can’t complete your provincial tax return in Quebec, so you can only use it for your federal return. If you use this service, you’ll still need to file your provincial return separately with Revenu Québec.
Filing your return isn’t just about paying your taxes — it’s also the key to unlocking government benefits, tax credits and even eligibility for programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
The CRA says SimpleFile will be up and running for most of the day, operating 21 hours daily, beginning on February 24. If you’re invited to use the service, your letter will include all the details you need, whether you choose to file by phone or online.
Since tax season tends to bring a wave of scams, the CRA is also warning Canadians to stay alert for fraudulent calls, texts and emails. If something seems off, it’s best to double-check directly with the agency. The CRA has a dedicated section on its website explaining how and when it may contact you, so you can verify if a message is legitimate before responding.
For those who qualify, automatic tax filing could make tax season way more manageable — even if it does only cover the federal portion of your return. If you get an invitation, this might just be the smoothest and fastest federal tax return you’ll ever file.
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