How to change your tax return after you file it
Quick summary
Wait for your notice of assessment, then change your return online with Change my return in your CRA account, or with ReFILE in your tax software. Online changes take about 2 weeks. Mail takes about 20. For a missing slip, also see how thenotice of assessment works.
Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: CRA: Change your tax return (modified Oct. 30, 2026). See all 2 sources.
Before you change anything
- Wait until you get your notice of assessment.
- If you already sent a change request, wait for the CRA's answer before you send another.
- You can change income, deductions, credits and expenses, or add missing slips.
Three ways to change a return
| Way | How | Time the CRA gives |
|---|---|---|
| Change my return | Sign in to your CRA account, choose Individual, then Tax returns. | About 2 weeks |
| ReFILE | Use the same certified tax software that filed the return. | About 2 weeks |
| By mail | Fill in Form T1-ADJ, attach documents, and send it to your tax centre, separate from your current return. | About 20 weeks |
Complex cases can take up to 36 weeks. Examples are several returns, years past the normal 3-year reassessment period, bankruptcy, deceased taxpayers and requests for more information.
How far back you can go
The CRA's online tool shows online options for tax years 2016 to 2025. For 2015 or earlier, you can only ask by mail. A refund cannot be issued for a change requested more than 10 calendar years after the end of the tax year.
What a change request cannot do
- Apply for benefits or credits.
- Make or revise elections.
- Allocate refunds.
- Update personal information such as your address, direct deposit, marital status or name.
When you must use the mail
- Bankruptcy returns. Check with your trustee first.
- Optional returns for people who have died.
- Returns filed with the wrong province. Send the forms for the province where you lived on December 31.
- Returns for 2015 or earlier.
For errors outside these options, the Voluntary Disclosures Program may apply.
What you get back
A full change gives you a notice of reassessment showing the new numbers. A partial change shows the changes made and why others were not. If nothing changes, the CRA sends a letter that explains why.
Questions people ask
How do I change my tax return after I filed?
Wait for your notice of assessment, then use Change my return in your CRA account, ReFILE in your tax software, or Form T1-ADJ by mail.
How long does it take to change a tax return?
The CRA says about 2 weeks online and about 20 weeks by mail, and up to 36 weeks for complex cases.
Can I change my address with a change request?
No. Personal information such as your address, direct deposit and name cannot be updated this way.