CRA's SimpleFile: 3 Million Canadians Can File Taxes for Free

The Bottom Line: If you have a low or fixed income, you might be able to file your 2025 taxes for free in just 10 minutes. This ensures you keep getting benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and the GST/HST credit.

What This Means for You

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has opened its SimpleFile service for the 2025 tax year. This tool is designed to help the roughly 10% to 12% of Canadians who usually do not file their taxes.

Research shows that people who do not file lose out on a lot of money. In 2015, non-filers missed out on an estimated $1.7 billion in benefits. That number has likely grown because programs like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit have expanded.

You must file a tax return to get these credits. Last year, the average refund was $2,202.

Who is Affected

SimpleFile is available to nearly 3 million Canadians.

You likely qualify if:

• You have a low or fixed income.
• You have a simple tax situation.
• You had no income, or your income came from specific sources below a certain threshold.
• You have no self-employment income.
• You do not have foreign property worth more than $100,000.

There are two ways to use this service:

1. SimpleFile Digital: This is open online right now. You do not need an invitation to use it. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
2. SimpleFile by Phone: This is available by invitation only. It is for people who have never filed a tax return before or who have a gap in their filing history.

What You Should Do

If you think you qualify, do not wait. The deadline for most Canadians to file is April 30, 2026.

1. Check Eligibility: Visit the CRA website immediately to see if you are eligible for SimpleFile.
2. Gather Your Info: Have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and direct deposit information ready.
3. File Online: If you are eligible for the digital version, you can start the process immediately through the CRA portal.
4. Watch for Mail: If you are eligible for the phone version, wait for your invitation letter from the CRA with instructions on how to call.

Looking Ahead: Automatic Filing in 2027

The CRA is planning a major change for the 2027 tax year. They are introducing "deemed filing." This means the agency may automatically file tax returns for some low-income individuals. The goal is to make sure these Canadians receive the benefits they are owed without having to do any paperwork themselves.

Bottom Line: Filing your taxes is the key to unlocking government benefits. If you have a simple tax situation, use SimpleFile to get your refund faster and ensure your benefits continue. Check the CRA website today to see if you qualify.