# Simple file CRA service: who gets a SimpleFile invitation and how to use it

Source: https://canadataxdesk.com/filing/simple-file-cra-invitation
Publisher: Canada Tax Desk (canadataxdesk.com), independent editorial site
Topic: Filing Your Return
Last updated: 2026-09-18

> SimpleFile is the CRA's free filing service for people with lower income and a simple tax situation. You answer short questions and the CRA completes the return from its own records. SimpleFile by Phone and by Paper need an invitation; SimpleFile Digital can be used without one if you qualify. For 2025 returns it runs March 9, 2026 to January 29, 2027.

## Key facts

- Cost: Free
- Versions: Digital, by Phone, by Paper
- Invitation needed: Phone and Paper: yes. Digital: no, if you filed a 2024 return and qualify
- Open for 2025 returns: March 9, 2026 to January 29, 2027, 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. ET
- 2027 season opening: Not yet announced

## What the simple file CRA service is

SimpleFile is a free service the CRA offers to eligible people with a lower income and a simple tax situation. Instead of filling in a return, you answer a short series of questions. The CRA combines your answers with information it already holds, such as your slips, and files the return for you.

Many people search for it as simple file CRA, but the official name is one word, SimpleFile. Filing matters even when you owe nothing, because the CRA uses your return to assess many federal and provincial benefit and credit payments.

## Who receives a SimpleFile CRA invitation

The CRA picks people it believes meet every eligibility rule and sends them an invitation. Invitations arrive by mail or, if you signed up for email notifications, in your CRA account. The CRA also runs later waves: it said it would send invitations in September 2026 to eligible people who still have not done their 2025 taxes.

### SimpleFile CRA eligibility rules for 2025 returns

- You were a Canadian resident for tax purposes for all of 2025 and were at least 15 years old in 2025
- You had no income exempt under the Indian Act
- Your income came only from T4 employment, T4E Employment Insurance, T5 Canadian interest, T5007 social assistance or workers' compensation, and T4A pensions such as OAS, CPP or QPP, plus Canada emergency benefits
- Your income was below the limit for your province, age and disability status
- You did not sell your principal residence and were not bankrupt in 2025
- You are filing for yourself only
- You did not repay federal COVID-19 benefits, the Home Buyers' Plan or the Lifelong Learning Plan in 2025
- You did not own specified foreign property costing more than $100,000

| Province | Age 15 to 64 | Age 15 to 64 with DTC | Age 65 or older | 65 or older with DTC |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ontario | $12,747 | $23,045 | $18,970 | $29,268 |
| British Columbia | $12,932 | $22,631 | $18,731 | $28,430 |
| Alberta | $16,129 | $26,267 | $25,157 | $35,295 |
| Quebec | $16,129 | $26,267 | $25,157 | $35,295 |
| Manitoba | $15,780 | $21,960 | $19,508 | $25,688 |
| Nova Scotia | $11,744 | $19,085 | $17,478 | $24,819 |

SimpleFile income limits for 2025 returns, selected provinces

The limits leave out OAS pension, net federal supplements such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and T5007 amounts. So an Ontario senior with $9,000 of OAS and $15,000 of CPP counts only the $15,000 against the $18,970 limit and could qualify.

## CRA SimpleFile by phone and SimpleFile Digital

The three versions reach the same result, a filed return and a notice of assessment. They differ in who can use them and how you give your answers.

### CRA SimpleFile by phone

SimpleFile by Phone is an automated line you answer with your phone keypad. The CRA says a call takes 5 to 10 minutes. You need the invitation, because the phone number is printed in the invitation package rather than posted online. Quebec residents file only their federal return this way and still file separately with Revenu Quebec.

### CRA SimpleFile Digital

SimpleFile Digital is a web form that takes 10 to 20 minutes. You do not need an invitation if you filed a 2024 return and meet the rules; if you did not file for 2024, you need an invitation to use it. Before you start, have these ready:

- Your social insurance number, date of birth and mailing address
- Your 8-character access code, from your 2024 notice of assessment or your 2025 invitation letter
- Your spouse's or common-law partner's SIN and net income, if you have one

### SimpleFile by Paper

The paper version is also by invitation only. If your invitation package includes it, follow the instructions in that package; the CRA does not offer the paper version to people who were not invited.

## When SimpleFile opens

For 2025 returns, all versions run from March 9, 2026 to January 29, 2027, every day from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. Eastern time. The opening date for 2026 returns in the 2027 season is not yet announced; the CRA usually confirms it in its filing-season news release in February.

The April 30 deadline still applies. SimpleFile does not extend it, and if you owe nothing, filing late mainly delays your benefits and credits. Keep your supporting slips and records for 6 years after filing.

## SimpleFile vs automatic filing

SimpleFile still needs you to act: you call, fill in the web form or return the paper version. Budget 2025 proposed going further, with the CRA filing returns on behalf of certain people who generally owe no tax, starting with the 2026 tax year. That proposal was not yet law when the CRA last updated its page.

Until automatic filing is confirmed, treat a SimpleFile invitation as the fastest route if you receive one. See [automatic tax filing by the CRA](https://canadataxdesk.com/filing/automatic-tax-filing-cra) for what is proposed. If your situation is more involved, for example self-employment income or rental income, use certified software with [Auto-fill my return](https://canadataxdesk.com/filing/auto-fill-my-return) or the other methods in our [tax filing guide](https://canadataxdesk.com/filing). Seniors weighing their options can also read our seniors tax return page.

## Common questions

### Can I use SimpleFile without an invitation?

Only the Digital version. You can use SimpleFile Digital without an invitation if you filed a 2024 return and meet all the eligibility rules. The phone and paper versions need an invitation.

### Is SimpleFile legit or a scam?

SimpleFile is a real CRA service described on canada.ca. The CRA does not ask for payment to use it, so any message asking for money or card details to file through SimpleFile is not from the CRA.

### Where do I find the SimpleFile access code?

It is the 8-character code on your 2024 notice of assessment or on your 2025 SimpleFile invitation letter.

### Why did I not get a SimpleFile invitation this year?

Your income may be above the limit, you may have income from a source the service cannot handle, or your situation changed. You can still check the rules and try SimpleFile Digital if you filed for 2024.

### Does SimpleFile file my provincial return too?

Yes for residents of every province and territory except Quebec. Quebec residents file their provincial return with Revenu Quebec separately.

## Sources

- [Canada.ca: SimpleFile](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/how-file/simplefile.html)
- [Canada.ca: SimpleFile by Phone](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/how-file/simplefile/phone.html)
- [Canada.ca: SimpleFile Digital](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/how-file/simplefile/digital.html)
- [CRA: Offering and expanding automatic tax filing services](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/offering-and-expanding-automatic-tax-filing-services.html)