How many years to file back taxes?

As per the CRA, you can go back 10 years to file your income tax return. Here is the link to the past years' returns which will need to be completed by hand. The last 7 years can be filed with TurboTax - here is the link to the past years.

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Does the CRA require you to go back 10 years though? You can go back 10 years, but how many years do they require you to go back?

If you worked, or even if you did not and just did a basic zero-income return- you can still be entitled to some credits and might get a refund. We would suggest that you contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 so that they can give you specifics in your case.

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Nine years

I like to go back nine years

No, they haven’t requested nothing

Nine years

You can get from 2017 to 2023 tax packages from TurboTax found here.

You must go to the CRA website to print out the older income tax packages for tax years 2015 and 2016 and mail them in. 

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I've checked the CRA link, been all through its website. There is no indication anywhere that you are limited to filing tax returns for only 10 years back.  Calling required a 1 to 2 hour wait time to ask a simple question. Chatbot Charlie was useless.  I can download fillable PDF forms as far back as 2011.  I can download unfillable PDF forms that go back even further. 

Could you please explain where you get the information that one can only file back 10 years?  I'm helping a friend work through some of the processes. He hasn't filed taxes in about 14/15 years, but has not earned an income in those years either.  He has recently filed back to 2017 electronically, to 2014 by paper.  Would like to go back further.

Much appreciated

If you send in income tax returns older than 10 years, however, you will not be able to get any credits or refunds from those years. 

Here is the CRA link.

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Thank you so much and for the prompt response.  This link is more direct.   Based on this, he can still file his 2013 tax return before the end of this year and may still be considered to get any benefits?

No, as it will be filed in the 2024 calendar year.

Ok, got it now. You've been very helpful.  Have a great day

Thank you. You also 🙂 

Can you provide a CRA reference on the 10 year period on filing the tax returns.

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/complaints-disputes/limitation-period-on-exercising-discretion-deadline-requesting-relief.html

5 years

@amcs76 You can have access to previous years of TurboTax software on this link. You have from 2018 to 2023 tax years.

For earlier income tax packages, you will have to use the Canada Revenue Agency paper versions on this link.

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