The Canada Revenue Agency is adding an optional account authentication step to online tax filing as part of a security upgrade planned for the 2026 tax-filing season.
The new process will be available beginning February 22, 2027, when individuals, authorized representatives and tax preparers submit income tax and benefit returns through NETFILE or EFILE.
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How CRA tax filing authentication will work
Taxpayers and representatives using NETFILE will be able to sign in to their CRA account during the filing process.
The CRA says the sign-in will confirm the filer’s identity and establish whether the person is filing for themselves or has authority to file or adjust a return for someone else.
Once the authentication is completed, the user can return to the tax software and submit the return through NETFILE.
The authentication step will be optional for 2026 tax returns.
That means taxpayers who do not use the new step will still be able to file through NETFILE, provided they meet the service’s normal requirements.
What changes for EFILE users
Tax preparers and other EFILE users will also have the option to authenticate by signing in to a CRA account.
For EFILE, the authentication confirms the identity of the individual initiating the filing transaction.
The CRA says this process does not require that person to be an authorized representative of the taxpayer.
Volunteers participating in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program will follow the same authentication process as other EFILE users.
After a successful sign-in, EFILE users can continue submitting returns while their session remains active.
The CRA says authentication will be required again only after the session ends.
Why the CRA is adding the extra step
The agency says the change is intended to add protection for personal and financial information during online filing.
It is also designed to reduce unauthorized filings and fraudulent returns by verifying the person initiating the transaction.
The measure will apply when people file for themselves, change a previous return or help another individual submit a return.
The CRA described the optional process as a way for users to become familiar with the security feature before any future changes to online filing requirements.
Who will not be able to use authentication
First-time filers who have no previous filing history will not have access to a CRA account and will not be able to choose the authentication option when filing their own return.
They can still submit a return through NETFILE.
An authorized representative filing on behalf of a first-time filer can choose to authenticate themselves.
The CRA also advises users whose accounts are locked, restricted or otherwise inaccessible to resolve those problems before attempting to file.
How to prepare before the 2027 filing season
People who want to use the optional security step should make sure they can access their CRA account before tax season begins.
Those without an account can register through the CRA’s online registration service, although eligibility and identity-verification requirements apply.
The agency recommends adding a backup multi-factor authentication method and checking that personal information is current.
Taxpayers should also confirm that any representative filing for them has the required authorization before the return is submitted.
The CRA’s announcement does not change the ordinary obligation to provide accurate information or keep tax documents and supporting records.
What taxpayers should know now
The main practical change is that online filers will have another security option available when the 2026 tax return filing season opens on February 22, 2027.
Using the option will require access to a CRA account, but declining it will not prevent eligible users from filing through NETFILE or EFILE under the current announcement.
Taxpayers who expect to file online may want to check their account access early rather than waiting until the filing deadline approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the CRA authentication option become available?
The optional authentication step will be available starting February 22, 2027, when the 2026 tax-filing season begins.
Will CRA account authentication be mandatory for online tax filing?
No. The CRA says authentication will be optional for people filing 2026 tax returns through NETFILE or EFILE.
What does the authentication step verify?
For NETFILE users, it verifies the filer’s identity and whether they are filing for themselves or are authorized to file for another person. For EFILE users, it verifies the identity of the person initiating the transaction.
Can first-time tax filers use the new authentication process?
First-time filers without a prior filing history will not have access to a CRA account for this purpose, but they can still file through NETFILE. An authorized representative may authenticate when filing for them.
What should taxpayers do before the next tax season?
Taxpayers who want to use the option should confirm that they can access their CRA account, resolve any lock or restriction, add a backup multi-factor authentication method and verify representative authorizations where applicable.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, eligibility details and authentication rules were checked against the Canada Revenue Agency’s official September 22, 2026 announcement and related CRA service pages.
Disclaimer: The authentication feature is optional under the CRA’s current announcement, and taxpayers should check Canada.ca for updates before filing.