SimpleFile by Phone is a free service that eligible individuals can use to file their income tax and benefit return. If you are invited to use SimpleFile by Phone, you only need to answer a series of quick questions. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses your answers, plus the information the CRA has on file, to complete and process a tax return for you.

• 0Free
• Secure
• Only takes 5 to 10 minutes

Using SimpleFile by Phone

SimpleFile by Phone is offered by invitation only. The invitation package provides the information you need to use this filing method, including the phone number to call. The phone number is not available online.

There are no forms to fill out or calculations to do, and you do not need to speak to an agent.

Who receives an invitation

You do not need to have income to use this filing method. If you do have income, it must be under a certain threshold and from certain sources.

Income under a certain threshold

The income threshold is based on factors that include age, province of residence, and disability status.

Income from certain sources

You must only have income from the following sources:

Benefits

Old Age Security – T4A(OAS)

Guaranteed Income Supplement / Net federal supplements – T4A(OAS)

Canada or Quebec Pension Plan benefits (including disability benefits) – T4A(P)

Employment and related income supports

Employment income – T4

Employment Insurance Benefits – T4E

Workers’ compensation benefits – T5007

Social assistance payments – T5007

Canada Emergency Benefits – T4A

Investment income

Interest income from Canadian sources – T5 (box 13)

When invitations are sent

SimpleFile by Phone invitations are sent in:

• March
• Summer

If your personal situation has changed, you may no longer be able to use this filing method.

Where to find your invitation

Delivery through CRA account

If you are registered to receive email notifications, you will receive an email when your SimpleFile invitation package is available to view in your CRA account link opens up in a new tab.

If you have access to a CRA account, but are not registered for email notifications, you can still view your invitation package in your CRA account.

Delivery by mail

SimpleFile invitation packages are sent to the mailing address we have on file, if you are not registered to receive email notifications.

Type of return filed

• For all residents of Canada (except Quebec), both the federal tax return and provincial or territory forms are filed.

• For Quebec residents, only a federal tax return is filed. You will still need to complete and submit a Quebec provincial income tax return with Revenu Québec.

Availability

SimpleFile by Phone is available:

• 21 hours a day between 6 am and 3 am (Eastern time)
• 7 days a week
• Starting March 9, 2026
• Ending January 29, 2027

Additional information

To use SimpleFile by Phone, you will need to:

• Provide some personal information
• Answer a series of short questions using the keypad on your phone

If you are disconnected from the call

If you hang up or are disconnected from the call before the end of the session, you will have to call again.

If you think you have made an error before the end of the session, you can hang up and call back to start over.

Your information will only be saved once you have completed the call.

If you have a Personal Identification Number (PIN)

You can receive an estimate of your net income, taxable income, and any refund that you may be eligible for at the end of the call. To receive this information, you will need to provide your PIN when prompted.

For information on how to create a PIN, refer to Use a PIN when you call us

After you file

The CRA will send you a notice of assessment (NOA) with the outcome of your tax return. Keep your supporting documents for 6 years in case the CRA asks to see them.

If you need to make a change

If you have already submitted your tax return using SimpleFile and need to make a change, refer to Changing a tax return.