First-time Filers: EFILE Error 16

New this year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) EFILE system requires that you indicate when a client is filing for the first time. Failing to do so will result in the return being rejected with EFILE error 16.

Resolving EFILE Error 16

In TaxCycle, answer Yes to the first-time filer question on the Info worksheet for any return sent to the CRA for the very first time.

This includes newcomers to Canada, those who had their first job during the year, or even those filing a first return with no income to apply for the GST credit when they turn 19 before April 1 next year.

Other First-time EFILE Errors

CRA also validates the name of a first-time filer against the data they receive from Service Canada. Remember to enter the taxpayer’s name exactly as it appears on their social insurance number (SIN) card:

• If the card includes a full middle name, enter it in full. The field in TaxCycle allows more than just a middle initial.
• If the taxpayer has no first name on their SIN card, omit it.