Frequently Asked Questions

General

1. How do I use GST/HST TELEFILE?
2. What are the benefits of using GST/HST TELEFILE?
3. Is GST/HST TELEFILE secure and confidential?
4. When is GST/HST TELEFILE available?
5. Can I use a rotary phone for GST/HST TELEFILE?
6. Do I still have to send a paper return if I use GST/HST TELEFILE?
7. If I file a return using GST/HST TELEFILE, when does the CRA consider it to be received?

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1. How do I use GST/HST TELEFILE?

   If you are eligible to use GST/HST TELEFILE, call the toll-free telephone number using a touch-tone telephone and enter all of the required information from your paper return when prompted by the automated voice message system.

   Once you have confirmed all of the information, we will immediately issue you a confirmation number.

2. What are the benefits of using GST/HST TELEFILE?

   GST/HST TELEFILE is fast, easy to use, and available seven days a week, except on statutory holidays. The service reduces processing time and ends the need to mail a paper return. This results in faster refunds.

   
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3. Is GST/HST TELEFILE secure and confidential?

   Yes. However, to ensure privacy while using GST/HST TELEFILE, you should not use a cordless or cellular telephone. Wireless technology can easily be intercepted or picked up by various electronic devices.

4. When is GST/HST TELEFILE available?

   GST/HST TELEFILE is available seven days a week (excluding statutory holidays) during the following hours:

   • Pacific time zone
     Monday to Saturday: 2:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
     Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
   
   
   • Mountain time zone
     Monday to Saturday: 3:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
     Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
   
   
   • Central time zone
     Monday to Saturday: 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
     Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
   
   
   • Eastern time zone
     Monday to Saturday: 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
     Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
   
   
   • Atlantic time zone
     Monday to Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
     Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
   
   
   • Newfoundland time zone
     Monday to Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.
     Sunday: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

   Service is not available 24 hours a day due to daily maintenance activities.

   
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5. Can I use a rotary phone for GST/HST TELEFILE?

   No. To use the service you have to use a push-button (tone-signaling) phone with touch-tone service.

6. Do I still have to send a paper return if I use GST/HST TELEFILE?

   No. GST/HST TELEFILE is a paper-free filing service. If you file your return using the service, do not send us a paper copy of the return. Keep it for your records along with all other supporting documents. The paper copy and any other information you use to prepare your return are subject to audit and have to be kept for verification purposes.

   However, if you use GST/HST TELEFILE to file your GST/HST return, and include a claim for a new housing rebate on line 108, you have to mail Form GST190, GST/HST New Housing Rebate Application, to your tax center for separate processing. You should mail it when you file your return using GST/HST TELEFILE.

   
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7. If I file a return using GST/HST TELEFILE, when does the CRA consider it to be received?

   We consider a return that you filed using GST/HST TELEFILE to be received when we issue a confirmation number. This happens when you answer yes to the question that asks you to confirm that the information that you gave should be filed as your GST/HST return.