Don’t worry if you realize you’ve left something out of your already filed return. We all have those moments when we forget something important like our wallet, a crucial letter, or even a late slip. But here’s the good news: you can make changes to your filed return using the ReFILE feature. So, take a deep breath and relax, because there’s a solution to fix any oversights.
ReFILE: Making Changes to Your Filed Returns Made Easy
What is ReFILE? ReFILE is a convenient online tax service that allows you to make adjustments or changes to your filed returns and submit them to the government through the tax software you used for preparation.
Efficient and hassle-free, ReFILE eliminates the need for postage or paper in the process.
When should you consider using ReFILE? There are several common situations where you may find ReFILE beneficial:
- Late slips: If you received a late slip, such as an RRSP contribution slip, that you forgot to include in your original return, ReFILE allows you to rectify this omission.
- Missing income: If you unintentionally omitted a source of income from your initial return, ReFILE enables you to include it.
- Overlooked deductions or credits: If you forgot to claim a deduction or credit that you are entitled to, ReFILE lets you make that adjustment.
Which returns can be adjusted using ReFILE? ReFILE can be used to make changes and adjustments to your 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 returns. Additionally, the ReFILE service ensures secure submission of adjustments to both the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Revenu Québec (if applicable).
Important considerations: It’s crucial to note that you can only ReFILE your return once you have received your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA and Revenu Québec (if applicable). Additionally, ReFILE is only applicable to adjustments of originally filed returns.
Updating Your Québec Return with ReFILE
Can I ReFILE my Québec return? Absolutely! If you need to make changes to your Québec return (TP-1), ReFILE provides a convenient option to adjust and electronically submit your return. It’s important to note that you can only ReFILE your return if you originally filed your Revenu Québec return through NETFILE. Additionally, you must wait until you receive your notice of assessment (NOA) from Revenu Québec before using ReFILE.
Can I use ReFILE to update my personal information? No, ReFILE cannot be used to modify personal information such as your marital status, address, direct deposit details, or email address. Depending on the information you need to change, you may be able to update it through CRA My Account, Revenu Québec My Account for Individuals, CRA My Business Account, by phone, or by mail. For detailed instructions on changing your information on file, please visit the CRA website or the Revenu Québec website for Québec residents.
Why am I unable to ReFILE my return? You cannot use ReFILE to change your return if:
- Your original return was filed by mail.
- Your original return has not been assessed yet. (Note: Your 2021 return is considered assessed if you have received a notice of assessment (NOA) through the Express Notice of Assessment (eNOA) service, My Account, or mail.)
- There is a reassessment in progress.
- You are applying for child and family benefits.
- You are applying for the disability tax credit.
- You have changed an amount carried back to a previous year, such as a capital or non-capital loss.
- You immigrated to Canada in 2021.
- You are splitting pension income or changing an amount related to pension income splitting.
- You are allocating a refund to other CRA accounts.
- You are subject to income tax for more than one province or territory.
- Your original return was filed by the CRA as an arbitrary assessment*.
- You are amending an election or making an election, such as one on the T2057: Election on disposition of property by a taxpayer to a taxable Canadian corporation form.
*An arbitrary assessment (also known as a notional assessment) occurs when you fail to file your taxes and disregard the CRA’s request to file. In this case, the CRA will file your taxes based on the information they have.
How many times can I change my return?
There is a limit to the number of times you can make changes to your return online. Whether you, a service provider, or the CRA makes the adjustment, ReFILE allows a maximum of 9 adjustments per return for each tax year. This means you can modify each return online up to 9 times.
What if I reach the limit?
If you exceed the online limit of 9 adjustments, you will receive an automated response indicating that you have reached your limit. The response will provide instructions on how to mail your request instead. You can continue to make additional requests by mailing the T1 adjustment request form to the CRA. For Québec residents, completing a TP-1.R-V adjustment request form and mailing it to Revenu Québec is required to adjust your Québec return.
If I can’t use ReFILE, how can I change my return? If ReFILE is not an option for you, you can still amend your federal return online using the Change my return (CMR) service accessible through your CRA My Account. The CMR service allows secure online adjustments to returns from the past 10 years. To determine if you can use the CMR service, visit the CRA website.
If online changes are not possible, you will need to mail the T1 adjustment request form or send a signed letter to the CRA, providing details