TORONTO, September 3, 2026 – The Canada Revenue Agency says it will send SimpleFile tax filing invitations this September to some eligible residents who have not yet filed their 2025 personal income tax return. The service is mainly intended for people with lower income and simple tax situations, allowing them to file their taxes for free.
SimpleFile currently includes online, phone and paper options. In general, the phone and paper versions require an invitation from the CRA. People who have not received an invitation can still check whether they qualify for SimpleFile Digital.
However, SimpleFile is not suitable for all seniors. The CRA determines eligibility based on a person’s income sources and tax situation. Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan payments, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Employment Insurance, some interest income and social assistance may fall within the types of income that can be reported through the service.
People with self-employment income, those who sold a principal residence during the year, people with a bankruptcy record, or those who held foreign property above the required reporting threshold may not qualify for SimpleFile and may need to file their taxes another way.
SimpleFile income limits are also not the same for everyone. They vary depending on age, province of residence and whether the person qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, or DTC.
In Ontario, for example, the income limit for people aged 65 and older who do not qualify for the DTC is $18,970. For those who qualify for the DTC, the limit is $29,268. GIS and some social assistance income are not counted toward this threshold.
For seniors, filing taxes on time remains important even if they do not owe income tax. Some tax credits and government benefits are calculated based on personal tax return information. Long periods without filing may delay or interrupt related benefits.
People who have not yet filed their 2025 return should review the SimpleFile information carefully if they receive CRA materials this month and confirm whether they are eligible. Those who do not receive an invitation can check their eligibility for SimpleFile Digital or choose another method to file a late return.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
