A Step Towards Simplified Tax Filing for Lower-Income Canadians

Over Half a Million Lower-Income Individuals to Receive SimpleFile Invitation This Summer

Date: July 30, 2024

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Organization: Canada Revenue Agency

This July, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is set to significantly expand its SimpleFile services, inviting over 500,000 eligible lower-income individuals to file their tax returns. This initiative aims to help these individuals access crucial benefit and credit payments.

The national pilot targets individuals who have never filed a tax return or who have gaps in their filing history. It builds on the success of previous small-scale SimpleFile pilots conducted by the CRA

SimpleFile: A Key Initiative in Budget 2024

Earlier this year, the CRA invited more than 1.5 million individuals with lower or fixed incomes and simple, unchanged tax situations to use SimpleFile by Phone. This was double the number from the previous year, with over 90% of invitees successfully filing their tax returns using various CRA-offered methods.

As a key commitment in Budget 2024, SimpleFile is on track to increase its reach further, aiming to invite two million individuals for the 2025 tax season.

Access to Benefits Through Tax Filing

Filing taxes, regardless of the method, is essential for lower-income individuals to access benefits and credit payments. The CRA is committed to providing Canadians with the necessary information and tools to file their returns quickly, simply, and securely.

The CRA also offers several programs and services to aid in tax filing, including the Auto-fill my return feature in certified tax software and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program in Quebec).

About the SimpleFile Summer Pilot

SimpleFile is an invitation-only service where the CRA invites eligible individuals to file their tax returns. Individuals can complete their returns in as little as 10 minutes from their own homes, at their convenience.

For those using the phone or digital service, they need to confirm personal information and answer a few short questions. If they have a personal identification number (PIN) in My Account, an estimate of their net income, taxable income, and any potential refund will be provided at the end of the call.

A tax return can still be filed automatically without a PIN, and individuals will receive a notice of assessment either by mail or in My Account after processing.

Availability of SimpleFile Services

SimpleFile services are available for a limited time to help individuals file their 2023 tax returns. The phone and digital services operate 21 hours a day, from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. Eastern time, seven days a week.

For more information, contact:

Media Relations

Canada Revenue Agency

Phone: 613-948-8366

Email: cra-arc.media@cra-arc.gc.ca