How The Urban Accountant (T.U.A) Works
A Real Accountant and Our Tax Software File Your Canadian Taxes
Most Canadians approach tax season one of two ways. You can struggle through DIY software and hope you got it right, or you can pay hundreds of dollars at a traditional accounting firm. The Urban Accountant (T.U.A) offers a third option. You upload your documents, and our accountants and our tax software review every line, find every deduction, prepare your return, and file it with the CRA. We ensure your return is accurate, on time, and optimized for your maximum refund.
File NowZero Tax Knowledge Needed
You upload your documents. Our accountants and our tax software handle every form, every rule, and every calculation.
A Real Accountant, Not Software Alone
A qualified Canadian tax professional reviews your return before it is filed. Our tax software assists in maximizing your accuracy and refund.
One Platform, Every Situation
Employment, self-employment, rental income, and investments. All handled on one return through the T.U.A app.
How Online Tax Filing Works in Canada
Filing your taxes online in Canada simply means you submit your return electronically to the Canada Revenue Agency instead of mailing paper forms. The CRA accepts online submissions through NETFILE for individuals doing it themselves. They also accept submissions through EFILE, which is the system certified tax professionals use when they file on behalf of clients.
When you file through T.U.A, our accountants use the EFILE professional channel. This is the exact same secure system used by CPA firms across Canada. You get the benefit of a professional filing without the office visits, waiting rooms, or paper forms. You manage your part completely online from home using the T.U.A app.
The Three Steps to Filing Your Taxes With T.U.A
Upload Your Documents
You create your T.U.A account and securely upload your tax documents. Our system provides a personalized document checklist based on your specific tax situation. The upload process takes most clients under 10 minutes to complete.
Our Accountants and Our Tax Software Prepare Your Return
Our accountants and our tax software review everything you uploaded. They identify every deduction and credit that applies to you. Your complete T1 return is prepared, reviewed for accuracy, and optimized for your maximum refund.
Filed and Confirmed
Our accountants submit your return electronically to the CRA via the EFILE professional system. You receive confirmation that your return has been accepted. If the CRA has any questions later, we respond on your behalf.
What Documents Do You Need to File Your Canadian Taxes?
The documents you need depend entirely on your income sources. For most Canadians, this means your T4 slip from your employer, which shows your income and deductions. You also need T5 slips for any investment or bank income, and receipts for RRSP contributions, charitable donations, or medical expenses. If you are self-employed, you need records of your business income and expenses.
When you sign up with T.U.A, we ask you a few simple questions about your year. Based on your answers, we generate a personalized checklist of exactly what you need to upload. You only gather what is relevant to your return, so you never waste time looking for forms you do not need.
You do not need to know a single tax rule to use T.U.A. You upload your documents. Our accountants and our tax software take care of everything else. That is the entire process.
How Long Does Filing Take and When Do You Get Your Refund?
Returns are completed in no more than 7 business days. An expedited 3-day return is available for an additional $55. Regardless of the complexity of work required, the standard return time for T1 filing is 7 days. Our accountants and our tax software ensure every detail is handled correctly.
Once your return is filed and accepted by the CRA, you will receive a notice of assessment usually within two to four weeks. If you set up direct deposit with CRA My Account, most refunds are deposited within eight business days of filing. This is the fastest way to receive your money.
Our app is designed for users who have a more complex return and feel more comfortable handing it over to a tax professional to ensure the accuracy of their tax preparation.
Is Online Tax Filing Safe in Canada?
Filing your taxes online through a professional service like T.U.A is highly secure. We use SSL encryption to protect your documents in transit. Your uploaded files are stored in a secure environment with restricted staff access. Our accountants and our tax software review your documents, and your personal data is never shared with third parties.
The CRA's EFILE system, which we use to submit your return, is the same professional filing channel used by accounting firms across Canada. It is more secure than filing your own return through consumer NETFILE software because access to EFILE requires professional registration and verification with the CRA.
What Happens After Your Return Is Filed?
After we file your return, you receive a confirmation that the CRA has accepted your submission. The CRA then issues a Notice of Assessment, which is a summary of how they processed your return. You usually receive this within two to four weeks.
If the CRA has any questions about your return, our accountants are the preparer on record. We can respond directly on your behalf. You do not need to navigate CRA correspondence on your own or worry about what to say to them.
Ready to File Without Doing It Yourself?
Upload your documents in under 10 minutes. Our accountants and our tax software handle everything from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clients upload their tax documents through the T.U.A app. Our accountants and our tax software prepare and file their return on their behalf. T.U.A is not DIY software. It is a professional tax filing service delivered digitally.