NETFILE vs Paper Filing (Canada 2026)
NETFILE delivers CRA refunds in ~8 business days with direct deposit; paper takes 8–16 weeks. Compare certified software (Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax, UFile, StudioTax), when paper is mandatory, and how to file before the April 30 deadline.
Recommended for most
NETFILE
- ✓ Refund in ~8 business days with direct deposit
- ✓ AutoFill imports T-slips straight from CRA My Account
- ✓ Real-time confirmation number
- ✓ Open 24/7, closes midnight local time April 30
- ✓ Free software options available
- ✓ ReFILE amendments online if you catch an error
When paper is the only choice
Paper (T1 General)
- • Non-residents of Canada (SIN starting with 0)
- • Returns for a deceased person (final T1)
- • Current-year bankruptcy returns
- • Amended returns for non-supported years
- • Must be postmarked by April 30 — delivery date does not count
- • Refund in 8 weeks minimum, 16 weeks during peak
NETFILE-certified software shortlist (2025 tax year)
| Software | Free tier | AutoFill | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Pay-what-you-want (including $0) | Yes | Most filers; clean UX |
| TurboTax Online | Free for simple returns (T4 + basic credits only) | Yes | Complex returns; extensive guidance |
| UFile | Free under $20k income, students, newcomers | Yes | Low-income filers; students |
| StudioTax | Free below $20k income; ~$15 above | Yes | Desktop users who want local software |
| GenuTax | Free (voluntary donation) | Yes | Donation-ware; Canadian-made |
| H&R Block Online | Free for simple returns | Yes | Users wanting in-person backup |
Full CRA-certified list: canada.ca NETFILE certified software. Always verify certification for the current tax year before filing.
Refund timeline comparison (typical 2026 turnaround)
Direct deposit set-up takes 1–2 business days — do it in CRA My Account before you file.
Quebec residents — two separate filings
Quebec is the only province where you file two returns: the federal T1 (via NETFILE) and the provincial TP-1 (via NetFile Québec or paper). Most Quebec-certified software (TurboTax Québec, UFile Québec) handles both from one set of inputs. Deadlines are the same: April 30, 2026 for personal returns; June 15 for self-employed (bumped to the next Monday if June 15 falls on a weekend).
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
How fast does NETFILE deliver a refund?
CRA typically processes NETFILE returns within 2 weeks of submission. With direct deposit set up in CRA My Account, refunds usually arrive in about 8 business days. Paper returns take 8 weeks and can extend to 16 weeks during April peak.
Is NETFILE free?
NETFILE itself is free — CRA charges nothing. You file through certified third-party software, some of which is free. Wealthsimple Tax (pay-what-you-want), TurboTax Free (simple returns), and UFile Free (income under $20,000 or students) are all NETFILE-certified at no cost. Complex returns (self-employment, rental, capital gains) typically use paid tiers starting around $20–$35.
Who must file on paper in Canada?
Most Canadians can NETFILE. You must file paper if: your SIN begins with 0 (non-residents), you are filing for a deceased person, bankrupt in the current year, a non-resident of Canada, or have an Ontario deduction for unused Ontario drop-out benefit. Quebec residents file the federal return via NETFILE and the provincial TP-1 separately via NetFile Québec or Revenu Québec paper.
Can I use AutoFill with NETFILE?
Yes. AutoFill my Return imports most T-slips (T4, T4A, T5, T3, T2202, RRSP contribution receipts) directly from CRA My Account into your certified software. It saves 15–30 minutes and reduces data-entry errors. AutoFill only includes slips CRA has already received — employer T4 and bank T5 are usually available by late March.
What is the difference between NETFILE and EFILE?
NETFILE is used by individuals to file their own return. EFILE is used by registered tax preparers to file returns on behalf of clients. EFILE preparers go through CRA registration and can file multiple returns per session. For a single individual filing their own return, NETFILE is the right choice. A ReFILE service allows both NETFILE and EFILE users to amend a previously filed return electronically.
When does NETFILE open and close each year?
NETFILE opens in mid-February for the prior tax year and stays open until mid-January of the following year (about 11 months). For the 2025 tax year, NETFILE opened February 24, 2026 and closes around January 2027. The April 30, 2026 deadline is a filing deadline, not a NETFILE closure — you can still NETFILE after April 30, but late-filing penalties apply if you have a balance owing.