Overview

Remote tax filing saves time and offers convenience, but it still requires all the same forms, receipts, and supporting documents you'd need for an in-person appointment. In this guide, Accountants-BC Ltd. outlines the core documents needed to file taxes remotely, why each one matters, and how to keep everything secure and accessible when working with a tax professional. You'll also find tips on handling digital records, navigating income from multiple sources, and complying with CRA guidelines.

Highlights

Introduction

Remote tax filing is becoming a go-to choice for Canadians who value convenience and speed. With secure platforms, digital tools, and expert guidance just a phone call or email away, the traditional trip to a tax office is no longer necessary.

That said, going remote doesn't mean you can cut corners. The CRA expects the same level of documentation and accuracy regardless of how you file. Missing forms, lost receipts, or incomplete records can lead to delays, missed refunds, or even audits.

Below, we’ll outline exactly what documents you need to gather, how to organize them, and what to expect when filing remotely. Whether you're filing a simple return or managing multiple income streams, you'll come away with a checklist that leaves nothing to chance.

What Personal Information Do You Need To Provide for Remote Tax Filing?

Remote tax filing begins with confirming who you are. Especially when filing remotely, your tax preparer must verify your identity and personal circumstances to ensure your return is accurate and compliant with CRA requirements.

Here’s what you’ll typically need to share:

  • Your full legal name (and a government-issued ID as proof)
  • Date of birth
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Current mailing address
  • Marital status and any changes during the year
  • Information about dependents, including names, birthdates, and SINs

This step may seem basic, but it's one of the most important. Small discrepancies, like a missing middle name or outdated address, can cause unnecessary processing delays or raise red flags with the CRA.

If you're married or living common-law, be prepared to provide your spouse's full name, SIN, and net income, even if they had no income to report. This information plays a key role in determining your eligibility for benefits and credits like the Canada Workers Benefit and the GST/HST credit. Accurate reporting helps ensure you don’t miss out on valuable support.

What Types of Income are Reported on Your Tax Return?

No matter how you earn money, all income must be reported when you file your taxes. This includes employment wages, pensions, self-employment revenue, rental income, investment earnings, and benefit payments. Each income type has its own documentation requirements, so it’s important to keep track of every source throughout the year.

If you’re employed or retired, you’ll typically receive official slips from your employer or pension provider. If you run a business or freelance, your income might be documented through invoices, summaries, or records you maintain yourself. Students, landlords, and investors also have specific forms or reports they may receive based on their financial activity.

You may also have income from digital platforms, trust accounts, or international sources. These types of earnings often require more detailed records, especially if formal slips aren’t provided. Keeping your own transaction history ensures you’re not missing anything or underreporting income—something the CRA takes seriously.

What if You Have Multiple Income Sources?

It’s common to juggle several income streams. A person might receive a salary, run a side business, and earn rental income from a property. In this case, each source needs to be clearly documented and reported separately. Having clear, categorized records makes it easier to prepare an accurate return.

If you’re self-employed and also drawing investment income or collecting pension payments, these must be tracked independently. Grouping them together can create reporting errors, leading to additional questions or reassessments from the CRA. Proper classification helps ensure each category is matched with the appropriate deductions and credits.

How Do You Prove Your Eligibility for Tax Credits?

As you might expect, claiming deductions and credits requires clear documentation. Whether you're deducting retirement contributions, childcare costs, medical expenses, education-related fees, or other eligible amounts, you'll need proof that shows what you paid and when you paid it. The CRA doesn’t accept estimates or vague summaries, so it’s important to keep organized records.

In most cases, your tax preparer will ask for receipts or statements that include:

  • The amount paid
  • The date of payment
  • The name of the service provider or organization
  • A brief description or classification of the service, product, or expense

These details help verify your eligibility and ensure you’re claiming only what the CRA allows. Even when filing remotely, the expectation is the same: real receipts that clearly match the deduction you're claiming.

Why Are Receipts So Important When Filing?

Receipts protect you. They confirm the legitimacy of your claims, help maximize your return, and reduce the risk of errors or reassessments. The CRA can request supporting documents at any time within its review period, so keeping your receipts for at least six years is essential.

They also help you stay aware of what you spent during the year. This makes it easier to track eligible expenses, avoid missed opportunities, and prepare early for future tax seasons.

Specialized Records for Businesses and Rentals

If you’re running a business or managing rental property, you’ll need more than just income figures when tax season rolls around. The CRA expects detailed records of your earnings and expenses, from invoices and receipts to utility bills and travel logs.

For home-based businesses, your preparer will ask about the space you use and household costs like internet or electricity. Business expenses should be sorted by type, and if you use your car for work, mileage tracking is key.

Rental income works the same way. Keep track of what you earn and spend, including maintenance and repair costs. Staying organized throughout the year makes claiming deductions easier and ensures nothing gets missed.

What Documents Are Needed for Rental Properties?

Each property you manage requires its own set of records, especially if you co-own. Having clear receipts and knowing the difference is crucial when preparing your return.

Large repairs, such as roof replacements or major renovations, are considered capital expenses and must be claimed over time as depreciation. Smaller fixes, such as painting, plumbing, or replacing a broken appliance, are current expenses and can be deducted in full in the year they were paid.

How Should You Prepare Digital Documents for Remote Filing?

Remote tax preparation relies on clean digital files. Scan your slips and receipts as PDFs or high-quality images, then name them clearly. If they’re already digital, simply name them clearly. Uploading "T4_ABC_Company_2025.pdf" is much more helpful than something like "Doc1.jpg." Keep documents organized by category, and store them securely using encrypted storage or cloud folders with restricted access.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) apps can help convert scanned receipts into searchable text, making it easier for you and your accountant to locate specific expenses later. Create folders for each type of document and store backups in a separate location or on an encrypted drive. Never keep sensitive data on unsecured or public platforms.

Is It Safe To Send Tax Documents Online?

Professional tax preparers use secure portals that encrypt your uploads and protect your information. Avoid sending sensitive files via regular email. If your preparer offers a document upload link or secure portal, use that every time.

Many tax professionals now use platforms with two-factor authentication and limited-time access links. Always ask your accountant about the security measures they have in place. If you're uncomfortable with their response, consider working with someone who prioritizes digital safety.

What Should You Do About Missing Documents?

Missing a tax slip or receipt? Start by reaching out to the source—most employers, schools, or financial institutions can reissue documents quickly. If that doesn’t work, check your CRA My Account, where many slips are uploaded automatically.

Don’t guess or round up numbers. It’s better to wait a few extra days or ask your tax preparer about the safest way forward. They can help you decide whether to estimate conservatively or file a request with the CRA. Being upfront about gaps helps avoid errors, delays, or penalties.

Ready To File Taxes Remotely With Confidence?

Remote tax filing doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means filing smarter. With the right preparation, strong documentation, and support from trusted professionals, you can file your return quickly and accurately from the comfort of home.

Gather your documents, stay organized, and don’t wait until the last minute. Whether your situation is simple or complex, digital-first filing makes tax season easier and less stressful.

Need help with remote tax filing in Canada? Accountants-BC Ltd. is here to walk you through every step. Call us at (604) 683-2341 today and discover how easy tax season can be when you file from home.