SimpleFile by Phone automated phone service (formerly called File my Return)
Overview
The SimpleFile by Phone service, formerly called File my Return, allows eligible individuals to auto-file their income tax and benefit return over the phone. It is free, secure, and easy to use. There are no forms to fill out or calculations to do. You do not need to speak to an agent to use this service.
If you are invited to use the service, you will receive an invitation letter from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), either by mail or by email notification to view the letter in My Account, if you are registered and have your correspondence preference set to ‘’Electronic mail.’’
The invitation letter provides the information you will need to use this service. You will be asked to verify some personal information and answer a series of short questions using the keypad on your phone.
SimpleFile by Phone uses the information in CRA’s systems at the time of the call, along with the answers you provide, to auto-file your return.
If you have a personal identification number (PIN), you can receive an estimate of your net income, taxable income, and any refund that you may be eligible for at the end of the call. To receive this information, you will need to provide your PIN when prompted. For information on how to create a PIN, visit our Use a PIN when you call us web page. You can still auto-file your tax return without a PIN; once your return has been assessed you will receive a notice of assessment.
The CRA sends out invitation letters every February.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must have:
- a lower income or a fixed income; and
- a simple tax situation that remains unchanged from year to year.
Using SimpleFile by Phone
If you receive an invitation letter, it will include the information you need to use this automated service to auto-file your tax return. If you received an invitation letter and have misplaced it, you can view a copy of your letter in the CRA’s My Account.
You can use the SimpleFile by Phone service starting on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 12 pm, Eastern Time. Following that, the service is available 21 hours a day, from 6 am to 3 am, Eastern Time, seven days a week. Please note that the SimpleFile by Phone service can only be used to auto-file the current tax year income tax and benefit return.
During your call, you will be asked to verify some personal information the CRA has on file, and answer a series of short questions. After this, your tax information will be auto-filed with the CRA.
If you hang up or are disconnected from the call before the end of the session, your information will not be saved, and you will have to call again. If you think you have made an error before the end of the session, you can hang up and call back to start over.
If you have questions about the SimpleFile by Phone service, you can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.
For Quebec residents
If you’re a resident of Quebec, the service completes only the federal tax return. You’ll still need to complete and submit a Quebec provincial tax return with Revenu Québec.
Protect yourself against fraud
To avoid scams and fraud, be aware of when and how the CRA might contact you. The Scams and fraud page provides information on the ways that the CRA may contact you, including by phone, email, mail, and text message.
We strongly encourage you to monitor your CRA accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. You can find valuable information on how to secure your CRA accounts on our Security of your CRA My Account page.
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