Frequently asked questions about TELEFILE -- Eligibility

1. Who can use TELEFILE?
2. Why is TELEFILE only offered to certain people?
3. How do I know if I am eligible to use TELEFILE to file my return?
4. What is a TELEFILE access code?
5. I am trying to use TELEFILE, and during the dialogue I am told that commission income cannot be recorded and I have to file a paper return, or use EFILE or NETFILE. Why can't I use TELEFILE if I've received an access code?
6. I want to use TELEFILE, but I lost the personal labels that the CRA mailed to me. I do not know what my access code is. What should I do?
7. I did not get a TELEFILE access code with my tax package. Can I still file using TELEFILE?

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1. Who can use TELEFILE?
   For 2006 income tax returns, TELEFILE will be available to all taxpayers who are mailed a T1S-A (seniors), a T1 Special (wage earners and students), or a T1S-C (credit and benefit filers) tax return. It will also be available to selected taxpayers who receive the tax package for computer software and NETFILE users. If you didn't receive one of these tax packages and your tax situation is relatively simple, you may still be able to use TELEFILE. Call the e-service Helpdesk at 1-800-714-7257 during our Helpdesk hours of service to determine if you can be added to the TELEFILE eligibility list and receive your personalized TELEFILE access code.
   
   
2. Why is TELEFILE only available to certain people?
   TELEFILE is designed for taxpayers with the most common types of income tax information such as employment income, pension income, interest income, registered pension plan contributions, and charitable donations. More complex tax information, such as self-employment income, capital gains and rental income are not accepted by the system, since they would take more telephone time and could require documentation before we can process them. Requests for documentation would slow our processing times.
   
   
3. How do I know if I am eligible to use TELEFILE to file my return?
   If you are eligible to use TELEFILE you will receive a promotional sheet and an access code with your 2006 personal income tax package. The instructions contained in your tax guide provide further details of the eligibility requirements and how to use the service. If you didn't receive a tax package with this information, and you believe you would be eligible to use TELEFILE, contact the e-service Helpdesk at 1-800-714-7257 during our Helpdesk hours of service to determine if you can be added to the TELEFILE eligibility list and receive your personalized access code.
   
   
4. What is a TELEFILE access code?
   Your access code is a four-digit number that is printed on the label sheet which is included in the income tax package that the CRA mails you. You need this four-digit personalized access code along with your social insurance number (SIN), to use the TELEFILE service.
   

   

   You may not have received an access code or you may have received an access code that is only eligible for NETFILE. If so, and you feel your tax situation would make you eligible to use TELEFILE, you can call the e-service Helpdesk at 1-800-714-7257 during our Helpdesk hours of service to determine if you can be added to the TELEFILE eligibility list and receive your personalized access code.
   
   
5. I am trying to use TELEFILE and during the dialogue I am told that commission income cannot be recorded and I have to file a paper return, or use EFILE or NETFILE. Why can't I use TELEFILE if I've received a TELEFILE access code?
   Taxpayers are eligible to TELEFILE based on their previous filing history. As tax situations change, so may a taxpayer's eligibility to use TELEFILE. There are both line number and tolerance limitations to TELEFILE. Taxpayers who try to enter a line number that is not accepted by the system or enter amounts exceeding the tolerance limits, will be informed, during the TELEFILE dialogue, that their entry cannot be recorded.
   
   
6. I want to use TELEFILE but I lost the personal labels that the CRA mailed to me. I do not know what my access code is. What should I do?
   If you lose your access code, you can call the e-service Helpdesk at 1-800-714-7257 during our Helpdesk hours of service.
   
   
7. I did not get a TELEFILE access code with my income tax package. Can I still use TELEFILE?
   You can be added to the TELEFILE eligibility list by the e-service Help Desk staff if, based on your current situation, you would qualify to file a 2006 T1 Special income tax return. If your tax situation is relatively simple, please call the e-service Helpdesk at 1-800-714-7257 during our Helpdesk hours of service to get your access code.