# NETFILE rejected: why the CRA refused your return and how to resend

Source: https://canadataxdesk.com/netfile/netfile-rejected-return
Publisher: Canada Tax Desk (canadataxdesk.com), independent editorial site
Topic: NETFILE and E-Filing
Last updated: 2026-09-18

> A NETFILE rejected message means the CRA received your data but refused it, so the return has not been filed. The usual causes are a name, date of birth or address that does not match CRA records, a first-time filer not flagged as one, or a return type NETFILE cannot take. Correct the detail and resend; if the CRA's own record is wrong, mail a paper return.

## Key facts

- Does a rejected return count as filed?: No, only a return with a confirmation code has been received
- Can you resend?: Yes, after correcting the data
- Where the CRA documents error codes: RC4018 Electronic Filers Manual, chapter 2
- Fallback: Paper return by mail

## What a NETFILE rejected message means

A rejection is different from a failed connection. When NETFILE is rejected, the transmission reached the CRA, the CRA ran its identity and format checks, and at least one check failed. Your software then shows a message, often with an error code, instead of the confirmation code you get for an accepted return.

The practical point is simple: a rejected return has not been filed. The deadline still applies, and a late-filing penalty can still build if you owe tax. The good news is that you can fix the problem and send again, usually the same day.

If your software never reached the CRA at all, for example during the 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern maintenance window, that is a connection problem covered on our [NETFILE not working](https://canadataxdesk.com/netfile/netfile-not-working) page.

## Why CRA NETFILE rejected your return

The CRA publishes its electronic filing error codes in chapter 2 of the RC4018 Electronic Filers Manual. Those codes are written for [EFILE](https://canadataxdesk.com/netfile/cra-efile-service) preparers, and the wording your NETFILE software shows can differ, but the underlying checks are the same kind. Codes 1 to 99 cover identification and format.

| Code | What the CRA found | What to check |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40 | Date of birth does not agree with CRA records | Day and month order, year typed correctly |
| 43 | Name does not agree with CRA records | Spelling, hyphens, surname change flag |
| 16 | CRA records show this is a first return | Tick the first-time filer option and give full legal name |
| 51, 53, 57 | City or province invalid, or city not in the CRA city index | Spelling of city, province code, postal code |
| 2 | SIN is temporary or starts with zero | Newcomer entry date, or file on paper |
| 22, 36 | Bankruptcy on file, or date of death before the tax year | Return type is not allowed electronically |

Common identity checks behind a rejection (code numbers from RC4018 chapter 2, EFILE version)

Codes in the 300, 400, 500 and 2000 ranges relate to error detection in the return figures rather than your identity. Your software's help pages explain its own messages; the CRA manual explains what the CRA was checking.

### NETFILE error detected on an eligible return

Sometimes the return type is fine and the data is simply inconsistent, such as a spouse's SIN typed the same as your own (code 70 in the manual) or a marital status the CRA cannot read (code 65). Fix the field named in the message and resend.

## NETFILE rejected for a first-time taxpayer

First-time filers face an extra check because the CRA has no earlier return to match against. Its manual describes a specific check: when CRA records show that a person is filing for the first time, the return must say so and include the first name, any second name and the last name.

- Select the option in your software that marks this as your first return to the CRA.
- Enter your full legal name, including any second name, the way it appears on your government records.
- Leave the access code blank. First-time filers do not have one, and entering anything else will not help.
- Newcomers should enter their date of entry to Canada, which the CRA uses for a SIN that begins with zero.

Our first tax return guide covers the rest of the setup for students, young workers and newcomers.

## How to correct and resend a rejected return

1. Write down the exact message and any code number the software shows.
2. Find the field it points to. For identity codes, compare against your latest notice of assessment rather than memory.
3. Correct the entry. If you entered an access code, confirm it came from your most recent notice, or clear it.
4. Run the software's review again so it catches anything else before you resend.
5. Transmit again. Rejections can repeat with a different code each time if more than one detail is wrong.
6. Save the confirmation code once the CRA accepts the return.

> **Do not use ReFILE for a rejection:** ReFILE is only for changing a return the CRA has already accepted and assessed. A rejected return was never accepted, so you correct it and send it again as an original return.

## When to file on paper instead

Paper is the right choice when resending cannot work. That happens in two situations. First, the return is a type NETFILE excludes, such as a return for a deceased person or a bankruptcy return. Second, your details are correct but the CRA's record is wrong. For a birth date mismatch, the CRA's manual says the taxpayer must contact the CRA with original or certified documents to fix the record.

Correcting a CRA record can take longer than the time left before April 30. If the deadline is close, mail the return rather than waiting. Our [paper tax return](https://canadataxdesk.com/filing/paper-tax-return-canada) page explains how to print and send it, and the [NETFILE Canada guide](https://canadataxdesk.com/netfile) covers the service rules in full.

## Step by step

1. **Record the message.** Note the rejection message and code shown by your software.
2. **Find the field.** Match the code to the field involved, such as name, date of birth or address.
3. **Correct the data.** Fix the entry against your latest notice of assessment and clear any out-of-date access code.
4. **Resend.** Run the review again and transmit the return as an original.
5. **Keep the confirmation.** Save the confirmation code once accepted, or mail a paper return if the CRA's record needs fixing first.

## Common questions

### Why was my NETFILE rejected?

Usually because your name, date of birth, address or SIN does not match what the CRA has on file, or because the return type is not allowed through NETFILE. The message or code in your software points to the field involved.

### Can I resend a rejected NETFILE return?

Yes. Correct the detail and send it again as an original return. The CRA manual notes a record can be rejected several times with different codes, so fix every flagged field before each attempt.

### Does a rejected return count as filed?

No. The CRA has not accepted it, so for deadline and penalty purposes it has not been filed. Only an accepted return produces a confirmation code.

### Can a first-time filer be rejected by NETFILE?

Yes. If CRA records show it is your first return, the software must say so and include your full name, including any second name. Fix those fields and resend.

### What does netfile file rejected mean if I already filed this year?

If the CRA has already accepted a return for that year, do not send a new original. Use ReFILE, Change my return in My Account, or Form T1-ADJ to make changes instead.

## Sources

- [RC4018 Electronic Filers Manual, chapter 2: error codes (Canada.ca)](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4018/chapter-2.html)
- [NETFILE: sending your return (Canada.ca)](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/how-file/tax-software/send-return/netfile.html)
- [Sending a tax return (Canada.ca)](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/how-file/tax-software/send-return.html)
- [Change your return (Canada.ca)](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/change-your-return.html)