Canadian efile
# Canadian efile

EFILE is the system used by the Canada Revenue Agency as a means for electronically transmitting tax returns. It became a national program in 1993. EFILE is only available to professional tax preparers and is not to be confused with the publicly available NETFILE. EFILE is a form of Electronic Data Interchange.

## Requirements

* A form T183, Information Return for Electronic Filing of an Individual's Income Tax and Benefit Return, needs to be signed by the client.
* Software meeting CRA certification standards, such as Intuit's Profile or Microsophic Inc.'s Visual Tax.
* Must be a professional to qualify, along with passing the CRA screening of new applicants.

## Advantages

* Fast and convenient, can be filed anywhere with an internet connection.
* Returns are processed much faster than conventional paper filing.
* Reduces usage of paper, saves money and is environmentally friendly.
* More reliable since you can retain paper slips, and no chance of getting return lost in mail.

## Disadvantages

* Requires a professional tax preparer to file.
* Preparer must have knowledge of system and be approved by CRA to EFILE.
