title: Canadian efile
text: # 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.
  