UFile PRO, EFile and NETFILE frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between UFile PRO and the software sold in retail stores or on the UFile shop?
• How can I become a “UFile PRO”?
• What is the difference between Efiling and NetFiling?
• I have used NETFILE to file my client's returns in the past, why has that changed?
• How do I become an Efile agent?
• How do NETFILE and EFILE differ when I use the UFile program?
• I also file Quebec returns. Do I have to efile them too?
• What if I prepare more than 100 returns?
• How do I add purchased returns to UFile PRO?

What is the difference between UFile PRO and the software sold in retail stores or on the UFile shop?
UFile PRO allows low volume preparers to complete and file over 20 tax returns because UFile PRO has EFILE, CRA’s electronic filing service for tax professionals. Should you prefer not to become an efiler, you can also print the returns with UFile PRO.

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How can I become a “UFile PRO”?
It's easy!

1. Purchase a copy of UFile for Windows (Basic or Plus) at your local Future Shop or Best Buy or buy UFile for Windows Basic from the UFile Shop.
2. Purchase the number of returns you require at the UFile Shop.
3. Add your PRO key(s) to the counter. By selecting “Add extra returns” from the Tools menu, click “Add new Key” and enter your 16-digit UFile for Windows PRO Key.
4. Register your PRO copy of UFile from the Registration screen also found in the Tools menu.
5. Re-start UFile.

Remember, ANY VERSION OF UFile for Windows may be upgraded to add more returns beyond the CRA limit of 20 simply by adding UFile PRO keys purchased at the UFile Shop and registering your UFile PRO activation key

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What is the difference between Efiling and NetFiling?
If you are a tax preparation service provider you must use the service called EFILE. This service requires that you become an Efile Agent and that you obtain authorization from your tax clients (Form T183) before sending before electronically filing their return.

You may visit the CRA Web site to learn about all the requirements and the benefits of becoming an efiler.

NETFILE is an electronic filing service that taxpayers can use to file their own personal income tax and benefit return with the CRA.

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I have used NETFILE to file my client's returns in the past, why has that changed?
The CRA has determined that a limit of 20 returns, whether printed or filed using NETFILE, is appropriate and sufficient for a NETFILE software product. To protect the integrity of this service, the CRA has set a limit of 20 returns that can be prepared with a NETFILE-certified tax preparation software. Software developers must respect this limit to be certified for NETFILE.

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How do I become an Efile agent?
To become an Efile agent, you must register with the Canada Revenue Agency. There is no cost involved and any firm, organization, or individual who wants to provide electronic filing services to members of the public, their clients, or their employees may apply. All applicants are screened for suitability in order to:

• safeguard the efile system;
• maintain a high level of public confidence in electronic filing; and ensure all participants in the program adhere to high standards of conduct and integrity.

Your first step in becoming an electronic filer is to complete the EFILE Registration On-Line form. This is a one-time application, but in some situations you will have to submit revised information.

An application may take up to 30 days to process. The CRA recommends that you submit your application before the filing season starts and encourages you to file your application before December 31.

Please read the CRA pages on Efiling carefully. Should you have questions about becoming an efiler please contact the CRA’s Efile Helpdesk.

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How do NETFILE and EFILE differ when I use the UFile program?
To NETFILE a tax return in UFile, the user simply clicks on the link provided to go to the CRA's NETFILE website, enters the proper identification information and uploads the file which is immediately acknowledged.

With Efile, the user must complete the Efile setup within the software. We recommend that you use EOL (Efile online) which allows one return to be filed at a time. The setup that you enter becomes the default setting and so needs to be entered only once each season.

When the return is prepared by you with these settings in place, UFile produces a T183 authorization form which you must have signed by your client BEFORE filing. This form must be kept by you should the CRA ever request it. With EOL you will receive an immediate acknowledgement much like NETFILE. You may also use EOL Plus with UFilePRO to file several returns at a time, however, this delays your acknowledgements.

Full instructions for using EFile in UFile are found here on this page.

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I also file Quebec returns. Do I have to efile them too?
Revenue Quebec has not imposed the same NETFILE limitation. However, the number of Quebec returns that can be filed with UFile is tied to the Federal return limit.

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What if I prepare more than 100 returns?
Dr Tax Software Inc., the makers of UFile, have been providing its DT Max professional tax software to high volume preparers for over 20 years. DT Max is not only easy to use and reasonably priced, it can also import your data from UFile and UFilePRO.

DT Max is also available for corporate and trust tax returns.

For more information, please visit our website at www.dtmax.ca.

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How do I add purchased returns to UFile PRO?
Add purchased returns to UFile PRO by selecting “Add extra returns” from the Tools menu, click “Add new Key” and enter your 16-digit UFile for Windows PRO Key.

Register your PRO copy of UFile from the Registration screen also found in the Tools menu.

Re-start UFile.

Remember, ANY VERSION OF UFile for Windows may be upgraded to add more returns beyond the CRA limit of 20 simply by adding UFile PRO keys purchased at the UFile Shop and registering your UFile PRO activation key.

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