Got Questions?
All questions
66 answers
- What if Auto-fill missed something?If you noticed something is missing before you file, add it manually and then keep going. If you've already filed, add it and then ReFILE your return.
- What do "average tax rate" and "marginal tax rate" mean?Average tax rate is how much tax you actually pay as a percent of your total income. Marginal tax rate is what percent of income tax you will pay on your next dollar earned.
- Can I do my corporate taxes using Better Tax?No. Better Tax helps you prepare your personal tax return, but it doesn't support corporate T2 returns.
- Why can't I file my tax return?Generally, you can follow the in-app instructions to proceed.
- I can't sign in to Better Tax. What should I do?Request a fresh email sign-in code and use the newest one. If you've set up a passkey, you can try that too.
- How do I change my tax return after it's been filed?It's easy to change your tax return! Wait for your notice of assessment, make the change in Better Tax and then ReFILE your return.
- I moved in with my partner—am I common-law?For Canadian tax purposes, you become common-law after living together as a couple for 12 months (and maybe even sooner if you have a child).
- How do I know if the CRA got my tax return?The CRA issues a confirmation code when it receives your return. We display this confirmation code in the File section and send it to you by email.
- Do I have to claim a donation in the year I made it?No. You can generally claim an eligible donation in the year you made it or any of the next five years. Keep the official receipt until you're ready to claim it.
- I can't pay my taxes yet. Should I still file?Yes. File on time even if you can't pay the full balance. If you're already late, file as soon as you can, then ask the CRA about payment options.
- Should I file my taxes if I didn't make any money?Yes, you should almost always file a tax return, even if you have no income. It's very simple to do.
- Can I file my own taxes?Yes, you can do it! Better Tax walks you through your return, and we're here to help if you get stuck.
- I'm a freelancer. What do I need to report on my tax return?Report all the income you earned. You can claim eligible business expenses, usually using form T2125.
- I had a baby, what kind of tax credits can I get?Congratulations! You can apply for the Canada child benefit when your baby arrives.
- How much should I contribute to my FHSA?While the answer is different for everyone, an FHSA is a very tax-advantageous savings account if you are planning on buying an eligible home in the next 15 years.
- How much should I contribute to my RRSP?The right amount depends on your income, budget, and what you're saving for. Compare an RRSP with a TFSA or FHSA, then check your room.
- Which provinces and territories does Better Tax support?We support all provinces and territories.
- Which medical receipts should I keep?Keep receipts for eligible medical expenses you paid out-of-pocket.
- What do I do if a tax slip is missing from Auto-fill?Don't worry, this is pretty common. If you already have the slip, you can enter it yourself. If not, you can wait for it to get processed or ask your employer, bank, or other slip issuer for a copy.
- I found a mistake after I filed my tax return. What do I do?It's easy to change your tax return! Wait for your notice of assessment, make the change in Better Tax and then ReFILE your return.
- What should I do about NETFILE error N1?Check that your name, date of birth, and social insurance number match your SIN records exactly. Also check your answer to the first-time filer question. If those are correct, contact the CRA.
- How do I use a passkey with Better Tax?Open Settings > Passkeys and choose Add passkey. Next time, you can sign in with your device instead of waiting for an email code.
- Is Better Tax free?You can pay what you want—even $0.
- I'm a professional tax preparer. Can I use Better Tax?Better Tax isn't EFILE software for a tax preparation business. The CRA does allow people to help family and friends file through NETFILE, subject to its rules.
- I immigrated, emigrated, or am a non-resident. Can I use Better Tax?For 2023, 2024, and 2025 returns, Better Tax supports many newcomers, but not non-resident or emigrant returns.
- I haven't filed in years. Can I include all my income on one return?No. File a separate return for each year you missed, starting with the oldest.
- How do I add something to my tax return?Use the search box in the left sidebar to find and add a slip, expense, or other item to your return.
- Your Canadian residency statusYour Canadian tax obligations depend on your residency status. Establish your status before deciding what you need to report.
- How do I make a subsection 45(2) or 45(3) election?Indicate that you need to file an election, then send your tax centre a letter describing the property and the election you're making.
- How do I change my RRSP deduction?Optimize your return first, then use the Override switch in the optimization section to set your RRSP deduction.
- How do I do a return for another year?Use the dropdown in the top-left corner to switch tax years. Better Tax supports returns for 2023 and later.
- How do I claim medical expenses on my tax return?Report eligible medical expenses you paid out of pocket. You can group receipts, and amounts from your slips are added automatically.
- How do I delete my entire Better Tax account?Open the account menu, choose Settings, and select “Delete everything”. Deleted data can't be recovered.
- How do I delete a tax return or profile?Open the return or profile, open the account menu in the top right, and find the delete option in the Danger zone.
- Where do I indicate what kind of interest I earned?Identifying interest as bank, bond, or mortgage interest is optional. Better Tax prompts you about it when you review your return.
- Does Auto-fill do everything?Auto-fill can import many slips and tax information directly from the CRA, but it doesn't have everything.
- How do I save or download my PDF?Open Documents in the Review section to save a PDF copy of your return.
- What is an eligible dependant?A qualifying relative who lives with you and who you support—generally you cannot have a partner to claim this credit.
- What is the total FHSA annual limit?For this field, add the annual FHSA limits shown on your prior Schedule 15 forms, or use the amounts from Auto-fill.
- What is an FHSA carryforward?FHSA carryforward has its own calculation. It isn't the same as unused contributions or unused participation room.
- What is the maximum participation period (MPP) for my FHSA?Your FHSA has a time limit, based on when you opened it, your age, and whether you've made a qualifying withdrawal.
- What is total FHSA participation room from all prior years?FHSA participation room starts accumulating in the year you open your first FHSA. Special rules can affect the amount.
- What is a qualifying withdrawal from my FHSA?A qualifying withdrawal generally helps you buy an eligible home and must meet the CRA's conditions.
- What are the FHSA "variables" on Schedule 15?Most people can leave these variables blank. They relate to particular FHSA contributions and RRSP transfers.
- How do I do my tax return?Gather your slips and receipts, choose the right tax year, and work through your personal details, income, and expenses. Then review your return, file it, and check for your CRA confirmation code.
- What is a NETFILE access code?Your NETFILE access code is an optional eight-character code on your previous Notice of Assessment. First-time filers don't need one.
- Do I need to file a paper election?Most people don't need a paper election. Some less common elections still require a signed document after you file online.
- What is a principal residence?A principal residence is a home you own, that you or your family lived in, and that you designate for the year.
- Your province or territory of residenceUse the province or territory where you lived, or were considered a factual resident, on December 31 of the tax year.
- Why can't I use my provincial sign in partner option for Auto-fill my return?For Auto-fill, use a CRA user ID or a bank sign-in partner. Provincial sign-in options aren't supported.
- Can I file my Quebec provincial return with Better Tax?You can't file you Quebec TP-1 returns using Better Tax. If you use Better Tax to file your federal return you must file your provincial return another way.
- How do I repay my Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)?Enter your HBP balance and RRSP contributions, then designate your repayment in the RRSP section.
- How do I repay my Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP)?Enter your LLP balance and RRSP contributions, then designate your repayment in the RRSP section.
- How do I report capital gains (and losses)?Report capital gains and losses in “T5008 (or other capital gains)”, even if you didn't receive a T5008 slip.
- Where do I report my child's T4A(P) slip?Add the T4A(P) slip to your child's profile. Their income can affect your credits even if they don't need to file a return.
- What is the difference between RRSP deduction limit and unused RRSP contributions?Your deduction limit is how much you can deduct. Unused contributions are amounts you contributed but did not deduct in a prior year—unused contributions are not common.
- How do I save my tax return?Your information saves automatically as you go, including when you sign out or close your browser.
- How do I send my documents to the CRA?You don't send receipts or slips when you file with NETFILE. Keep them in case the CRA asks to see them later.
- What are unused FHSA contributions?Unused FHSA contributions are amounts you've contributed but haven't deducted on a tax return.
- Update your mailing address with the CRALet the CRA know your new mailing address as soon as you move so your payments and correspondence reach you.
- What does "first time filer" mean?You're a first-time filer if neither you nor anyone acting for you has ever filed a Canadian tax return for you.
- Why doesn't entering something (like a donation or medical expense) impact my return?An expense might not change your refund because of a claim limit, a non-refundable credit, or an allocation to your partner.
- How do I switch to Better Tax from another software?Breaking up with your old tax software is easier than you think.
- Will working overtime put me in a higher tax bracket?It might, but it will never make you worse off.
- I can't use my tuition credits yet. Will I lose them?No. File a return for the year you paid tuition, even if you don't owe tax. Any tuition amount you can't use or transfer can carry forward to a future year.
- Why do I have a balance owing?No, a balance owing doesn't mean you did anything wrong. It just means the tax that you paid to the CRA during the year didn't cover your full amount owing. This happens a lot if you are self-employed or if you change jobs.