Hello, I am French and I worked in Canada in 2025. I worked for less than 183 days and I would like some help with my tax return because I cannot create a CRA account.

[TurboTaxAniqua]

Since you stayed in Canada for less than 183 days and likely do not have "significant residential ties" (like a permanent home or a spouse in Canada), the CRA generally considers you a non-resident for tax purposes.

You are not alone. Most newcomers and non-residents cannot open a CRA My Account until they file their first Canadian tax return and receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA).

The CRA needs the first return to verify your identity. You must file your 2025 return on paper or via a specialized non-resident package. You can register for the online account after the CRA processes this first return.

As a non-resident, you cannot use the standard NETFILE (electronic filing) system that most Canadians use. The CRA does not allow non-residents to file electronically.

You can still use TurboTax (DIY) to prepare your return, but when you get to the end, you must select the "Print and Mail" option. You will need to print your return and mail it to the Winnipeg Tax Centre (which handles returns for residents of France). We also do not offer tax expert services for non-residents. 

Hope this helps! 

[Delphision]

I'm curious. As there is a tax convention between France and Canada, would it not be a)easier or b) less costly to file the return in France, reporting foreign income?

[TurboTax_Susan]

@Delphision Yes, there is a tax convention between France and Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/tax-policy/tax-treaties/country/france-conventi...

[theophanevivien]

Thanks you for my question