There are very few good reasons to file your Canadian tax return on paper in 2026. NETFILE gets your refund in about two weeks instead of eight, catches math errors before submission, and when combined with CRA My Account’s Auto-fill feature, it imports your T4 and T5 slips automatically so you barely have to type. Free certified software like Wealthsimple Tax handles even self-employment and rental income at no cost. Paper filing is really only needed for certain first-time returns, non-resident situations, or returns going back more than three years.
If you are still deciding on process, use how to file taxes in Canada for the full workflow and best free tax software in Canada for no-cost NETFILE options.
First-time filers should cross-check first time filing taxes in Canada and then confirm submission in how to know if your tax return was accepted .
NETFILE vs Paper Filing
Quick Comparison
Factor
NETFILE
Paper
Refund time
2 weeks
8+ weeks
Confirmation
Immediate
By mail later
Accuracy
Error checking
Manual
Cost
Free (with free software)
Postage
Convenience
From home
Mail physically
What Is NETFILE?
Electronic Filing System
Feature
Details
What it is
CRA online submission
How it works
Use certified software
Transmission
Electronic to CRA
Confirmation
Immediately
Requirements
Need
Details
Certified software
CRA-approved list
SIN
Social Insurance Number
Prior return info
May need for verification
Internet
Obviously
Benefits of NETFILE
Faster Refunds
Filing Method
Refund Timeline
NETFILE + Direct Deposit
2 weeks
NETFILE + Cheque
4 weeks
Paper + Direct Deposit
4-6 weeks
Paper + Cheque
8+ weeks
Accuracy
Benefit
Details
Error checking
Software catches mistakes
Math calculated
Auto-calculated
Real-time validation
Before sending
Fewer rejections
CRA accepts immediately
Convenience
Feature
Benefit
File anytime
24/7 during season
From anywhere
Home, anywhere with internet
No mailing
Electronic submission
Keep copy
Digital records
Confirmation
NETFILE
Paper
Immediate confirmation number
Weeks to know received
Know if accepted
Hope it arrived
Record of submission
Keep mailing receipt
Free NETFILE Software
CRA-Certified Free Options
Software
Platform
Free If
Wealthsimple Tax
Web/App
Always free
StudioTax
Windows
Donations accepted
genutax
Windows
Free
TurboTax Free
Web
Simple returns
H&R Block Free
Web
Simple returns
Income Limits for Free
Software
Income Limit
Wealthsimple Tax
No limit (always free)
TurboTax Free
Income under ~$35,000
H&R Block Free
Simple returns
When Paper Filing Is Required
Situations Requiring Paper
Situation
Why Paper
First return in Canada
Sometimes
Certain non-resident
Depends
Prior year returns
>3 years back
Some amended returns
T1-ADJ
Certain business returns
Complex schedules
When Paper Might Be Preferred
Preference
Reason
Extremely complex
Attorney/accountant preference
No technology
Can’t use computer
CRA requested
Specific circumstances
How to NETFILE
Step-by-Step
Step
Action
1
Choose certified software
2
Gather tax documents
3
Enter information
4
Review return
5
NETFILE submit
6
Receive confirmation
What You Need
Document
Examples
T4
Employment income
T5
Investment income
T4A
Other income
RRSP receipts
Contributions
Receipts
Donations, medical, etc.
Auto-Fill My Return
Feature
Details
What it is
CRA sends slips to software
Link account
CRA My Account to software
Auto-imports
T4, T5, etc.
Verify
Always check accuracy
How to Paper File
If You Must Paper File
Step
Action
1
Get forms from CRA
2
Complete by hand
3
Attach all slips
4
Mail to tax centre
5
Keep copies
6
Wait for assessment
Where to Mail
Province
Tax Centre
Ontario
Sudbury Tax Centre
Western
Winnipeg Tax Centre
Quebec
Shawinigan-Sud Tax Centre
Atlantic
St. John’s Tax Centre
What to Include
Include
Notes
T1 General
Main return
Schedules
As applicable
Slips
T4, T5, etc.
Receipts
If specifically requested
NETFILE Limits
What NETFILE Can Handle
Can File
Yes/No
Employment income
Yes
Investment income
Yes
RRSP/TFSA
Yes
Self-employment
Yes (most)
Rental income
Yes
Basic business
Yes
What May Need Paper
Situation
Notes
First Canadian return
May need paper first year
Very old returns
>10 years
Certain elections
Depends on election
Non-resident certain years
Varies
Refund Timing
Direct Deposit vs Cheque
Delivery
NETFILE
Paper
Direct deposit
2 weeks
4-6 weeks
Cheque
4 weeks
8+ weeks
Set Up Direct Deposit
Step
Action
1
Log into CRA My Account
2
Go to Direct Deposit
3
Enter bank info
4
Confirm
After Filing
NETFILE Confirmation
You Receive
Details
Confirmation number
Save it
Timestamp
When filed
Status
Accepted/rejected
Check Status
Method
Details
CRA My Account
See assessment
Auto-fill next year
Keep account active
Notice of Assessment
Online or mail
The Bottom Line
Use NETFILE with free certified software like Wealthsimple Tax — it’s faster, more accurate, and gets your refund in two weeks with direct deposit. Connect Auto-fill through CRA My Account to import your slips automatically, review everything for accuracy, and hit submit. Save your confirmation number and keep your receipts for six years in case of a CRA review. Paper filing should be a last resort.
Tips for Successful Filing
Before Filing
Tip
Why
Gather all slips
Don’t miss income
Check Auto-fill
May have slips you forgot
Review carefully
Catch errors
Save your file
Keep records
Common Mistakes
Mistake
Solution
Missing slips
Use Auto-fill
Wrong SIN
Double-check
Math errors
Software calculates
Missing signature
NETFILE doesn’t need
Summary
NETFILE Wins
Benefit
Paper
Faster refund
Much slower
Immediate confirmation
Wait weeks
Error checking
None
Convenience
Mail hassle
Use Paper Only If
Situation
CRA requires it
Very old return
First-time filing certain situations
No internet access
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