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^[1] or Microsophic Inc.'s Visual Tax.^[2]
• 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.