How to Get Copy of Tax Return Canada: Guide to CRA Options
Losing track of tax documents happens to many Canadians. Knowing how to access these records is essential for proof of income or reviewing past filings.
Canadians can obtain copies of their tax returns through the Canada Revenue Agency's My Account portal, by contacting the CRA directly, or through the tax software they originally used to file. Each method has different steps and requirements.
Some options provide instant access while others may take several weeks. This guide explains how to retrieve current and previous tax returns in Canada.
It outlines the available methods, the online access process, and what identification is required. Understanding these options helps ensure quick access to important tax documents whenever needed.
Understanding Your Canadian Tax Return
The T1 General form is the foundation of your Canadian tax return. Tax information slips document your income from various sources throughout the year.
These documents work together to calculate your total and taxable income.
T1 General Form Explained
The T1 General form is the main document used to file a personal income tax return in Canada. It collects all income information, deductions, and credits to determine how much tax is owed or refunded.
The form has several key sections. The first part captures personal information like your name, address, and Social Insurance Number.
The next sections calculate total income from all sources, then subtract eligible deductions to arrive at taxable income. Different types of income are reported on specific lines of the T1.
Employment income, investment income, pension income, and other sources each have their own spots. The form applies federal and provincial tax rates to calculate the final tax amount.
Overview of Tax Information Slips
Tax information slips report different types of income received during the tax year. Employers, financial institutions, and other payers send these slips to show how much they paid you.
Common Tax Slips Include:
- T4 - Employment income from an employer
- T5 - Investment income like interest and dividends
- T3 - Income from trusts
- T4A - Pension, retirement, and other income
Most tax slips arrive by the end of February. T3 slips may not be sent until the end of March.
If a slip is late or lost, contact the issuer to request a copy. Each slip shows income amounts that must be reported on the T1 General form.
Methods to Obtain a Copy of Your Tax Return
Canadians can access copies of their tax returns through three main methods: online via the CRA My Account portal, by contacting the CRA directly, or through the tax preparation software they used to file.
Each method offers different levels of convenience and speed depending on your needs.
Accessing CRA My Account
The CRA My Account portal is the fastest way to access tax returns online. Registering requires a Social Insurance Number, date of birth, and tax information from a previous return.
The portal uses multi-factor authentication for security. After signing in, you can view and download tax returns from current and previous years by selecting "Tax returns" from the dashboard.
Tax slips like T4s and T5s are also available through My Account. Select "Tax information slips," choose the tax year, and click "View" to download copies.
You can access multiple years of tax documents in one place. Tax returns are displayed immediately after processing, and you can save or print PDF copies at any time.
Requesting by Phone or Mail
If you prefer not to use online services, you can request copies of old tax returns by calling the CRA. The CRA will mail paper copies to the address they have on file.
Processing time for mailed requests takes longer than online access and may take several weeks. This method works well for those without internet access or who need alternate formats.
The CRA offers digital audio, electronic text, braille, and large print versions upon request.
Retrieving Through Tax Software
Tax preparation software like TurboTax stores copies of filed returns within the program. If you filed with TurboTax Desktop or online, you can access your returns by opening the software and locating the specific tax year.
Most tax software includes a "Print" or "Save as PDF" option. The saved copy matches what was submitted to the CRA.
This method only works if you kept the software installed and remember which program you used. The software must remain accessible on your computer or through your online account.
Preparing for year-end filings? Explore our Tax Season Tips for Canadian Charities to stay organized and avoid common CRA issues.
Steps to Access Tax Returns and Tax Slips Online
The CRA provides online access to tax returns and slips through a secure portal. Canadians can register for an account, download their tax documents, and view slips from multiple tax years.
Registering for CRA My Account
You need a CRA My Account to access tax documents online. Registration requires a Social Insurance Number, date of birth, and information from a recent notice of assessment or tax return.
The CRA sends a security code by mail within 10 business days to complete the setup. You can also register immediately using a Sign-In Partner, which uses your online banking credentials.
The account provides instant access once verified through the bank. A valid email address and password are required during registration.
The CRA recommends enabling multi-factor authentication for added security.
Downloading or Printing Your Tax Return
Tax returns appear in CRA My Account as notices of assessment after processing. These documents show all income sources, including employment and investment income.
You can view and download returns from previous years. The system generates a PDF copy with a barcode for each tax year.
This condensed version includes all relevant tax information. The download button appears on the overview dashboard under tax returns.
What Documents Are Available Through My Account
When you access "tax returns" through CRA My Account, you'll typically find your Notice of Assessment rather than the full T1 General form you originally filed. The Notice of Assessment is a summary document that confirms the CRA received and processed your return.
For proof of income purposes, you can also download a Proof of Income Statement (Option C). This document shows your income, deductions, and other key financial information from your tax return.
The full T1 General form—which can be 50 pages or more with all schedules—is not typically available for download through My Account. If you need the complete T1 form, you'll need to retrieve it from your tax software or request it directly from the CRA.
Accessing Your Documents
Navigate to the "Tax returns" section in your My Account dashboard. Select the tax year you need to view available documents.
The system generates PDF copies with barcodes that you can download, save, or print. These documents include all relevant tax information for the selected year.
Most Canadians find that the Notice of Assessment and Proof of Income Statement are sufficient for financial applications, loan approvals, and personal records.
Locating Tax Slips by Tax Year
Tax slips are available through the "Tax information slips (T4 and more)" section. Select your desired tax year from a dropdown menu.
The system displays all available slips for that period. Common slips include T4 for employment income, T5 for investment income, and T3 for trust income.
Click on the "Original" hyperlink to download each slip. Most slips become available online by the end of February, though T3 slips may not appear until the end of March.
The account stores slips from multiple tax years. This allows you to retrieve lost or misplaced documents without contacting employers or financial institutions.
Obtaining Previous Years' Tax Returns and Slips
The CRA stores tax information from previous years. Taxpayers can access old tax returns and slips through their online account or by requesting them directly from the sources that issued them.
Accessing Past Returns via CRA
You can view and download old tax returns through the CRA My Account portal. The account provides access to notices of assessment, which serve as proof that the CRA received and processed a tax return for a given year.
The portal allows users to download various tax slips, including:
- T4 slips (employment income)
- T5 slips (investment income)
- T3 slips (trust income)
- T4A slips (pension and other income)
- T5007, T5008, and other common slips
Most tax slips become available in My Account shortly after they're issued. T4 and T5 slips typically arrive by the end of February, while T3 slips may not appear until the end of March.
The CRA keeps records of previous tax filings, making it possible to retrieve information from multiple years. Log in, navigate to the tax returns section, and select the year you need.
Contacting Employers and Financial Institutions
If tax slips don't appear in My Account or are needed urgently, contact the original issuer directly. Employers must provide copies of T4 slips upon request, even for years when you no longer work there.
Financial institutions can reissue T5 slips and other investment-related documents. Most banks and investment firms maintain digital records that make it easy to access old tax slips through their online portals.
Pension administrators can provide duplicate T4A(P) slips. Educational institutions can reissue T2202 forms for tuition credits.
Each organization that issues tax slips is required to keep records and provide copies when requested. Contact these sources before the tax filing deadline to avoid delays.
Most issuers can provide copies within a few business days.
Handling Missing or Unavailable Documents
If you cannot obtain a tax slip from the CRA or the original issuer, you can still file your tax return using the best available information. Report all income even without the official slip.
The CRA recommends keeping personal records of income throughout the year, including pay stubs and bank statements. These documents can help reconstruct income information when tax slips are unavailable.
If an employer or institution has closed or cannot be reached, document your attempts to obtain the slip and use other records to calculate the income. The CRA may request supporting documentation later.
Security and Identification Requirements
Getting a copy of your tax return from the CRA requires proper identity verification. The agency uses several security measures, including personal details and authentication steps, to confirm identity before releasing documents.
Personal Information Needed
The CRA requires specific personal details to verify identity. The most important is the Social Insurance Number, which serves as the primary identifier for all tax-related records in Canada.
You also need to provide your date of birth and current address as listed on your most recent tax return. The agency may ask for details from a previous notice of assessment, such as a specific dollar amount or total income reported.
If you have recently moved or changed your name, providing updated information may require extra documentation. The CRA may ask for identification documents like a driver's licence or passport.
Multi-Factor Authentication Procedures
The CRA's My Account service uses multi-factor authentication to secure online access. This process involves steps beyond just entering a username and password.
After logging in, users must answer security questions set up during registration. These questions relate to personal history or financial information.
The agency may also send a verification code to a registered email address or phone number. For high-security requests, the CRA might require extra authentication steps or ask users to verify their identity through a video call or in-person visit to a Service Canada office.
Using Third-Party Tax Software to Retrieve Returns
TurboTax stores filed tax returns within the software. Users can download or export their returns as PDF files for personal records or sharing with financial institutions.
Accessing Returns from TurboTax Online
TurboTax Online automatically saves completed returns in your account. To access a return, log into your TurboTax account using your email and password.
Navigate to the "Tax Home" section. This page displays all tax years filed through the platform.
Click on the specific tax year you need. The software opens that year's return, letting you view all forms and schedules entered during preparation.
To download the return, select the "Download/Share" or "Tax Summary" option from the menu. TurboTax generates a PDF file of the complete tax return.
The file includes all CRA forms, schedules, and supporting documents. Save this PDF to your device or email it directly from the platform.
The downloaded file remains accessible as long as your TurboTax account stays active. TurboTax typically retains tax returns for seven years.
Exporting Files from TurboTax Desktop
TurboTax Desktop saves tax return files directly on your computer.
The software stores files in a default location, usually in the Documents folder under "TurboTax."
To export a return, open TurboTax Desktop and select "File" from the top menu.
Choose "Open Tax Return" and select the year you need.
The software loads the complete return with all your information.
Click "File" again and select "Save As PDF."
TurboTax converts the tax return into a PDF document.
Choose where to save the file on your computer.
The PDF includes all CRA forms and schedules from your filed return.
You can print this document or save copies to different locations.
The desktop version allows access to returns without an internet connection.
Conclusion
Getting a copy of your tax return in Canada is straightforward when you know where to look.
You can access your returns through CRA My Account, request copies from the Canada Revenue Agency, or retrieve them from your tax software.
These options make it easy to get the documents you need for loans, financial planning, or personal records.
If you used professional help to file your taxes, your accountant should also have copies.
Many Canadians find that keeping both digital and physical copies of their tax returns helps them stay organized.
The CRA typically processes requests within 30 days, but some methods provide instant access.
B&H Charity Accounting Firm helps individuals and organizations with tax return requests and financial records.
Our team understands the needs of Canadian taxpayers and provides expert guidance on accessing tax documents.
Contact us at (289) 301-8883 or visit charityaccountingfirm.ca to learn more about their services.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your tax documentation needs and answer questions about retrieving your tax returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a copy of your tax return in Canada involves accessing your CRA My Account or contacting the CRA directly.
Most people can retrieve their documents online for free within minutes.
How do I get a copy of my tax return online in Canada?
Taxpayers can access their tax returns through CRA My Account on the Canada Revenue Agency website.
After logging in, go to the tax returns section to view and download returns from previous years.
The CRA keeps copies of filed returns and notices of assessment in the online account.
This makes it easy to access your tax documents whenever you need them.
How do I download a copy of my tax return?
Once logged into CRA My Account, select the tax year you need and download a PDF copy of your return.
The download option appears in the tax returns section of the account.
People who used tax software like TurboTax or UFile can also print or save their return as a PDF from the software.
Most tax software includes a print or save option in the menu.
What's the easiest way to get a tax return copy?
The fastest method is accessing CRA My Account online.
This service is available 24 hours a day and provides immediate access to tax returns.
People without internet access can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to request a copy by mail.
This option takes longer but works for anyone who cannot use the online service.
What information do I need to request my tax return copy?
The CRA requires a Social Insurance Number and personal information to verify your identity.
This includes your date of birth and information from a previous tax return or notice of assessment.
For online access, you need your CRA user ID and password or a Sign-In Partner like a Canadian bank.
Phone requests require the same identification information plus answers to security questions.
Is there a fee to get a copy of my tax return?
The CRA does not charge any fees to access or download tax returns through My Account.
Requesting copies by phone or mail is also free.
All services related to getting copies of tax returns from the CRA are provided at no cost to taxpayers.
What should I do if I forgot my CRA My Account login details?
People who forget their CRA user ID or password can use the recovery options on the CRA login page.
They need to answer security questions or use the recovery code they set up when creating their account.
Another option is to use a Sign-In Partner, which allows login through online banking credentials.
If recovery options don't work, calling the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 can help verify your identity and regain access to your account.
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