Tax Preparation Services in Ontario CRA-Compliant EFILE for Personal and Business Returns
The Acctax Company prepares and files T1 personal returns, T2 corporate returns, GST/HST remittances, and payroll source deductions for Ontario businesses and individuals. We submit through CRA’s EFILE program, deliver Notice of Assessment tracking, and handle reassessment responses across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.
What Tax Returns We Prepare and File?
Tax preparation and filing services encompass collecting income documents, calculating tax liability, applying eligible deductions and credits, and submitting completed returns through CRA-approved channels. The Acctax Company prepares personal, business, and corporate tax returns for Ontario clients from sole proprietors to incorporated businesses and handles post-filing matters including Notice of Assessment review and CRA correspondence.
Tax Preparation & Filing Services
Form T1
Personal Income Tax Returns (T1)
What We File: T1 General Income Tax and Benefit Return.
Who This Applies To: Salaried employees, retirees, investment income earners, rental property owners, commission-based workers.
Inputs Required
- T4 Statement of Remuneration
- T5 & T3 Investment/Trust Income
- T4A Pension & Other Income
- T2202 Tuition and Education
- RRSP contribution receipts
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical expense receipts
- Rental income & expense records
- Prior-year Notice of Assessment
What You Receive
- Completed T1 return filed via EFILE
- Copy of filed return (PDF)
- Refund or balance owing summary
- Notice of Assessment tracking
- Filing confirmation number
Form T2125
Self-Employed & Sole Proprietor Tax Filing (T2125)
What We File: T1 with Statement of Business or Professional Activities.
Who This Applies To: Sole proprietors, freelancers, independent contractors, gig economy workers.
Inputs Required
- Business income records (invoices)
- Business expense receipts
- Vehicle logbook (if applicable)
- Home office measurements
- Capital asset purchase records
- GST/HST registration number
- Bank statements for business
- Prior-year T2125 and NOA
What You Receive
- T1 with completed T2125 schedule
- Business income & expense summary
- Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
- Home office deduction calculation
- Instalment payment schedule
- Notice of Assessment tracking
Form T2
Corporate Tax Returns (T2)
What We File: T2 Corporation Income Tax Return with GIFI schedules.
Who This Applies To: CCPCs, incorporated small businesses, professional corporations, holding companies.
Inputs Required
- Year-end financial statements
- Reconciled trial balance & GL
- Shareholder loan reconciliation
- Dividend declarations & resolutions
- Inter-company transaction records
- Prior-year T2 return and NOA
- CRA corporation account number
What You Receive
- Completed T2 return with GIFI
- Schedule 100, 125, 141 as applicable
- Small Business Deduction calc
- Shareholder loan tracking doc
- Corporate tax instalment schedule
- Notice of Assessment tracking
- Filed return confirmation
GST34 / GST62
GST/HST Returns and Remittances
What We File: GST/HST Return.
Who This Applies To: GST/HST registrants (mandatory registration required when taxable revenue exceeds $30,000).
Inputs Required
- Sales records with GST/HST collected
- Purchase records with ITCs
- POS or accounting software reports
- Bank statements reconciled to sales
- Quick Method election (if any)
- Prior GST/HST returns
What You Receive
- Completed GST/HST return filed
- Net tax calculation (Collected – ITCs)
- Remittance amount or refund summary
- Payment deadline confirmation
- Filing confirmation number
PD7A / T4
Payroll Source Deductions Support
What We File: Payroll remittances and year-end information returns.
Who This Applies To: Employers with employees on payroll withholding CPP, EI, and income tax.
Inputs Required
- Payroll register (gross, net, deductions)
- Employee Social Insurance Numbers
- TD1 Personal Tax Credits Forms
- Records of taxable benefits
- Prior remittance statements
- CRA payroll account number (RP)
What You Receive
- Payroll remittance calculations
- T4 slip preparation for employees
- T4 Summary for CRA filing
- Remittance schedule tracking
- Year-end filing confirmation
CRA COMPLIANCE
CRA Notices and Corrections
What We Handle: Notice of Assessment review, Reassessment responses, T1-ADJ.
Who This Applies To: Individuals/Businesses with CRA correspondence or errors.
Inputs Required
- CRA notice or letter received
- Supporting documentation
- Original filed return
- Bank statements/receipts
- Prior correspondence with CRA
What You Receive
- Notice review & explanation
- Response letter drafted
- T1-ADJ or T2-ADJ filed if needed
- Objection filing (if disputing)
- Confirmation of outcome
How Electronic Filing Works (NETFILE vs EFILE)?
Electronic filing reduces processing time from weeks to days. CRA accepts electronic returns through two primary channels: NETFILE for individuals filing their own returns using certified software, and EFILE for returns submitted by authorized tax preparers on a client’s behalf. Understanding which channel applies determines how your return reaches CRA and how quickly you receive your Notice of Assessment.
NETFILE: Individual Self-Filing Through Certified Software
NETFILE is CRA’s electronic filing service that allows individuals to file their T1 income tax return directly using CRA-certified tax software.
Who Uses NETFILE:
- Individuals preparing and filing their own T1 return
- People using consumer tax software (TurboTax, Wealthsimple Tax, UFile, StudioTax, etc.)
How It Works:
- Individual completes their T1 return using NETFILE-certified software
- Software transmits the return electronically to CRA
- CRA receives and processes the return
- Notice of Assessment appears in CRA My Account (typically within 2 weeks for electronic filing)
- Refund deposited via direct deposit (if registered) or cheque mailed
NETFILE Access Code:
- Located on your most recent Notice of Assessment
- Found inside CRA My Account under “Tax returns”
- Not mandatory for filing—CRA will verify identity through other means if code unavailable
- Speeds up identity confirmation during filing
NETFILE Eligibility:
- Available for most T1 filers (individuals)
- Some exclusions apply (non-residents, bankruptcy filers, certain complex situations)
- Certified software validates eligibility before transmission
EFILE: Professional Tax Preparer Submission
EFILE is CRA’s electronic filing program that allows approved tax preparation service providers to file client returns electronically through CRA-certified software.
Who Uses EFILE:
- Professional tax preparers filing returns on behalf of clients
- Accounting firms with EFILE authorization from CRA
- Tax preparation businesses meeting CRA’s EFILE requirements
How It Works:
- Tax preparer collects client documents and prepares the return
- Client reviews and approves the completed return
- Preparer transmits the return to CRA through EFILE-certified software
- CRA receives and processes the return
- Preparer receives confirmation number
- Notice of Assessment issued to client (available in CRA My Account and mailed)
EFILE Requirements for Preparers:
- Must apply and be approved for CRA’s EFILE program
- Use CRA-certified tax preparation software
- Meet suitability requirements (no disqualifying criminal record, no outstanding tax debts affecting suitability)
- Maintain client authorization records
What This Means for Clients:
- Returns filed by a professional who understands deduction eligibility and credit optimization
- Preparer handles the technical submission process
- Errors caught before filing through professional review
- Post-filing support available for CRA correspondence
The Acctax Company files client returns through CRA’s EFILE program using certified tax software. We prepare personal (T1), self-employed (T2125), and corporate (T2) returns and submit electronically when eligible.
Paper Filing: When It's Required
Paper filing involves mailing a completed tax return to CRA’s processing centre.
When Paper Filing Applies:
- First-time filers without a CRA My Account
- Non-residents filing Canadian returns
- Returns excluded from electronic filing (certain trusts, specific form requirements)
- Voluntary choice (though electronic filing is faster)
Processing Time:
- Paper returns take 4–8 weeks for CRA to process (vs. 2 weeks for electronic)
- Refunds delayed compared to NETFILE/EFILE submissions
- Mail delays add additional time
Our Approach: We prepare paper returns when required but recommend electronic filing through EFILE for faster processing and confirmation tracking.
NETFILE vs EFILE Comparison
Attribute | NETFILE | EFILE |
Who Files | Individual (self) | Tax preparer (on client’s behalf) |
Software Used | Consumer NETFILE-certified software | Professional EFILE-certified software |
Authorization Required | No (filing own return) | Yes (preparer must have CRA EFILE approval) |
Typical Processing | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
Access Code Needed | Optional (speeds confirmation) | Not applicable (preparer handles) |
Best For | Simple returns, confident self-filers | Complex situations, time-constrained filers, business returns |
Our Filing Process (From Documents to CRA Confirmation)
Tax preparation follows a structured workflow: document intake, return preparation, client review, electronic submission, and post-filing support. The Acctax Company completes this process within 5–7 business days for standard returns, with confirmation provided once CRA accepts the filing.
Step 1: Document Intake and Identity Verification
What Happens:
- You provide tax documents (slips, receipts, prior returns)
- We verify identity and confirm filing scope (personal, business, corporate)
- Missing documents identified within 24 hours of intake
What We Need:
- Government-issued ID (for new clients)
- Social Insurance Number
- All T4, T5, T3, T4A slips received
- Prior-year Notice of Assessment
- Business records (if self-employed or corporate)
- CRA correspondence (if any outstanding)
Document Submission Options:
- Secure client portal (upload documents 24/7)
- In-person drop-off (Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo offices)
- Mail (for paper documents)
Step 2: Return Preparation and Optimization
What Happens:
- We enter all income sources and verify against CRA records (T-slip matching)
- Eligible deductions and credits applied (RRSP, childcare, medical, charitable donations, business expenses)
- Calculations verified for accuracy
- Consistency checks run against prior-year returns
Optimization Focus:
- Identify commonly missed deductions (home office, vehicle expenses, carrying charges)
- Apply income-splitting opportunities where eligible (pension splitting, spousal RRSP)
- Calculate optimal RRSP contribution to minimize tax or maximize refund
- Review capital gains/losses for loss carryforward or carryback opportunities
Step 3: Client Review and Approval
What Happens:
- Draft return summary provided for your review
- Refund or balance owing amount confirmed
- Questions addressed before submission
- You authorize filing (electronic signature or written approval)
What You See:
- Line-by-line summary of income reported
- Deductions and credits claimed
- Net tax calculation
- Refund amount or balance owing
- Estimated assessment date
Step 4: EFILE Submission and Confirmation
What Happens:
- Return submitted electronically through CRA’s EFILE program
- Confirmation number received within minutes
- Submission receipt provided to you immediately
What You Receive:
- EFILE confirmation number
- Copy of filed return (PDF)
- Filing summary with key figures
- Expected Notice of Assessment timeline (typically 2 weeks)
Step 5: After Filing (Notice of Assessment and Next Steps)
What Happens:
- We monitor for your Notice of Assessment
- NOA reviewed upon receipt to confirm CRA accepted figures as filed
- Discrepancies identified and explained
- Response prepared if CRA adjusts or requests information
What You Receive:
- NOA summary and explanation
- Alert if CRA changed any figures
- Response support (included for NOA discrepancies within filing engagement)
- Instalment reminder (if CRA requires instalments for next year)
Post-Filing Support:
- T1 Adjustment Request filing (if correction needed after NOA)
- CRA correspondence response
- Audit support (if selected for review)
What Documents to Bring (Filing Checklist)
Individual (T1) Document Checklist
Income Documents:
- T4 — Employment income (from each employer)
- T4A — Pension, retirement, annuity, and other income
- T4E — Employment Insurance benefits
- T5 — Investment income (interest, dividends)
- T3 — Trust income allocations
- T4RSP — RRSP income
- T4RIF — RRIF income
- T5007 — Social assistance or workers’ compensation
- T5008 — Securities transactions
Deduction and Credit Documents:
- RRSP contribution receipts
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical expense receipts (prescriptions, dental, vision, medical travel)
- Childcare expense receipts (with provider SIN)
- T2202 — Tuition and education amounts
- Public transit passes (if eligible provincial credit)
- Home Buyers’ Amount documentation (if first-time buyer)
- Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201) if applicable
CRA Documents:
- Prior-year Notice of Assessment
- NETFILE access code (from NOA or CRA My Account optional but helpful)
- CRA correspondence received during the year
Self-Employed / Small Business Document Checklist
All Individual Documents Above, Plus:
Business Income:
- Sales invoices issued (or income summary)
- Cash/cheque/e-transfer payment records
- 1099 or T4A slips from clients (if received)
- Platform earnings statements (Uber, DoorDash, Airbnb, etc.)
Business Expenses:
- Advertising and marketing receipts
- Business insurance premiums
- Office supplies and materials
- Software subscriptions (business use)
- Professional fees (legal, accounting)
- Subcontractor payments
- Business travel (transportation, accommodation, meals at 50%)
Vehicle Expenses (if claiming):
- Total kilometres driven during year
- Business kilometres driven (logbook required)
- Fuel receipts
- Insurance, registration, maintenance receipts
- Lease or loan interest documentation
Home Office Expenses (if claiming):
- Total square footage of home
- Square footage of workspace used regularly and exclusively for business
- Rent or mortgage interest paid
- Property tax paid
- Utilities (heat, electricity, water)
- Home insurance
- Maintenance and repairs (proportionate)
Capital Purchases:
- Equipment, computer, furniture purchases (invoices)
- Vehicle purchase documentation (if claiming CCA)
Corporate (T2) Document Checklist
Financial Statements:
- Year-end income statement
- Year-end balance sheet
- Statement of retained earnings
- Reconciled trial balance
- General ledger detail (if requested)
Corporate Records:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Shareholder register
- Dividend resolutions and declarations
- Shareholder loan account ledger
- Minutes documenting director decisions (salary, dividends)
CRA and Banking:
- Prior-year T2 return and Notice of Assessment
- CRA corporation account number (RC)
- Bank statements for corporate accounts
- Investment account statements
Related Filings:
- T5 slips issued (if dividends paid)
- T4 slips issued (if salaries paid)
- GST/HST return records (if registrant)
GST/HST Registrant Document Checklist
- Sales records with GST/HST collected (by period)
- Purchase records with GST/HST paid (Input Tax Credits)
- Point-of-sale or accounting software GST/HST reports
- Bank statements reconciled to sales
- Prior GST/HST returns filed
- Quick Method election letter (if applicable)
- GST/HST account number (RT)
CRA Notices, Assessments, and Represent a Client Support
After filing, CRA issues a Notice of Assessment confirming accepted figures, refund, or balance owing. Changes or requests trigger additional notices requiring response. The Acctax Company monitors assessments, explains CRA correspondence, and handles responses on your behalf through authorized representative access.
Notice of Assessment vs Notice of Reassessment
Notice of Assessment (NOA):
- Issued after CRA processes your return
- Confirms income, deductions, credits, and tax calculated
- Shows refund amount or balance owing
- Becomes your official tax record for that year
- Arrives within 2 weeks (electronic filing) or 4–8 weeks (paper filing)
Notice of Reassessment (NOR):
- Issued when CRA changes previously assessed figures
- Results from CRA review, audit, or adjustment request
- May increase or decrease your tax liability
- Requires review to understand what changed and why
- Response deadline typically 90 days for formal objection
Our Role: We review every NOA and NOR for clients we file for. If CRA changed figures from what we submitted, we explain the change and advise on response options.
When CRA Requests a Response
Common CRA Requests:
- Request for supporting documents (receipts, contracts)
- Request for Information letter (specific questions about reported amounts)
- Pre-assessment review (CRA holds refund pending verification)
- Processing review (random selection or triggered by discrepancy)
Response Deadlines:
- Most requests require response within 30 days
- Formal objections must be filed within 90 days of NOA/NOR date
- Missing deadlines limits your options
Our Support: We prepare response letters, assemble supporting documentation, and submit on your behalf. Clients who filed with us receive response support for CRA inquiries related to returns we prepared.
Authorization: Represent a Client (RAC)
What Represent a Client Means: Represent a Client is CRA’s portal that allows authorized representatives (accountants, tax preparers) to access client tax information and act on their behalf for specific matters.
Authorization Levels:
- Level 1 (Disclose): Representative can view your tax information
- Level 2 (Disclose + Request): Representative can view and request changes
- Level 3 (Disclose + Request + Legal): Representative can view, request changes, and handle legal matters (objections, appeals)
How to Authorize Us:
Option 1 — Through CRA My Account:
- Log in to CRA My Account
- Go to “Authorized representatives”
- Select “Authorize a representative”
- Enter our Business Number (provided at engagement)
- Select authorization level
- Confirm authorization
Option 2 — Paper Form: Complete Form T1013 (Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative) and submit to CRA.
Option 3 — By Phone: Call CRA and authorize verbally (requires identity verification).
What Authorization Allows Us to Do:
- View your tax information (returns filed, NOAs, account balances)
- Request adjustments on your behalf
- Respond to CRA inquiries
- File objections (Level 3)
- Discuss your account with CRA agents
What Authorization Does Not Allow:
- We cannot change your bank account or direct deposit
- We cannot authorize additional representatives
- We cannot access information outside the scope granted
GST/HST Registrant Document Checklist
Serving Ontario (Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge)
The Acctax Company prepares and files tax returns for individuals and businesses across Ontario, with physical offices serving the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region. Remote clients across Canada access the same services through our secure portal.
Acctax Company Office Locations and Hours
Kitchener Office:
- 178 Coach Hill Dive Kitchner
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cambridge Offices:
- 15 Lena Crescent Cambridge
- 657 Franklin Blvd Cambridge
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Waterloo Office:
- 100 Frobisher Dive Waterloo
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ontario Industries We Serve
Industry-Specific Solutions
Business accounting requirements vary by industry. We configure our services to match how your business actually operates whether you’re tracking job costs on construction sites or reconciling Stripe payouts from your Shopify store.
Tax Preparation and Filing FAQs
Personal filers need: T4 employment slips, T5 investment income slips, RRSP contribution receipts, charitable donation receipts, medical expense receipts, and prior-year Notice of Assessment. Self-employed individuals add business income records, expense receipts, vehicle logbook, and home office calculations. Corporate filers provide financial statements, trial balance, shareholder loan records, and dividend resolutions.
NETFILE is CRA's electronic filing service for individuals filing their own T1 return using certified software. EFILE is CRA's program for authorized tax preparers to file client returns electronically. When you hire The Acctax Company, we file through EFILE on your behalf.
Standard returns are completed within 5–7 business days from document receipt. Corporate returns and complex filings require 7–14 business days. During peak tax season (March–April), add 2–3 business days. Rush service available for urgent filings.
Yes. We prepare and file GST/HST returns (monthly, quarterly, or annual) and support payroll remittances including T4 slip preparation and year-end filing. These services are quoted separately from income tax return preparation.
We review all CRA notices for clients whose returns we prepared. If CRA requests information or issues a reassessment, we explain the notice, prepare the response, and submit on your behalf. Clients should forward any CRA correspondence immediately so we can meet response deadlines.
Yes. We file prior-year returns (back taxes) for individuals and corporations. Each prior-year return is quoted separately based on complexity and research required. Voluntary disclosure may apply if unreported income is involved.
File with accuracy and confidence.
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