All about cookies

To use the NETFILE service, your cookies must be turned on. This is something you have to do on your computer, through your browser.

All browsers are configured a little differently, so you should check the Internet options within your browser software for ways to enable the cookie function.

If you are using Internet Explorer version 6.x:

• Click on Tools from the browser Menu bar
• Select Internet Options
• Select Privacy tab and move the slider to Medium High, Medium or Lower
• Click OK to exit

If you are using Firefox:

By default Firefox accepts all cookies. If you want to gain more control over what cookies are stored:

• Click on Tools from the browser Menu bar
• Select Options
• Select Privacy
• Click on Cookies and change the settings

If you are using Safari version 1.2:

• Select Safari from the browser Menu bar
• Select Preferences on the menu
• Select Security
• Where it says Accept Cookies select either Always or Only from sites you navigate to

If you are using Opera:

• Click on Tools from the browser Menu bar
• Select Quick Preferences and ensure cookies is selected

If you are using Netscape 8.0:

• Click on Tools from the browser Menu bar
• Select Options
• Select Privacy
• Click on Cookies and change the settings

If you are using Netscape 7.02 and 7.2:

• Click on Edit from the browser Menu bar
• Select Preferences
• Select Privacy & Security and accept cookies.

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What are cookies and why do you use them?

A cookie is a packet of data containing information that identifies you as it intermittently travels between your computer and us. Cookies are one of the ways we ensure that you continue to be identified and send the correct information during your online session.

When you log on to the NETFILE Web site, your browser will be asked to accept a cookie—a small string of text that contains a session identification number. We use the cookie to manage sessions, and only people with a valid cookie in their browser can do business on our Web pages. Anyone who cannot accept a cookie will be directed to this page.

The cookie contains a session identification number, but not your social insurance number, date of birth, or access code. That means that someone examining your cookie would not be able to log on to the NETFILE Web site as you. Our cookies are not disc-resident. They're stored in the browser only for the extent of your session.

Your session will expire after 15 minutes of inactivity. If your session expires, you have to log on again to verify your identity.

What if I don't want to accept a cookie?

Right now, we have no other way to manage sessions for people who do not want to accept cookies. If you don't accept cookies, you won't be able to send your tax return to us over the Internet.