Is GST/HST NETFILE Ready to File? Check CRA Service Hours

The “Ready to file” heading on the CRA’s GST/HST NETFILE page leads to its filing form. It is a step in the instructions, not a live availability indicator. Before you file, check the CRA’s GST/HST electronic filing hours and the CRA sign-in page’s information alerts for relevant maintenance. This guide does not monitor outages.

What to have ready

Your business number and the reporting period’s start and end dates.
Your four-digit GST/HST access code if using the standalone NETFILE form. The separate code is not required when filing through a CRA account.
Your sales, GST/HST collected or collectible, eligible input tax credits, adjustments and any applicable rebate or schedule information.

The CRA explains eligibility and the steps on its standalone GST/HST NETFILE page. The secure session expires after 35 minutes of inactivity; entries are not saved if you leave before confirming the filing.

How to check whether you can file now

Open the CRA’s official NETFILE instructions and check the listed service hours in your time zone.
Review the service notices and the form’s list of situations it can and cannot handle.
Start the standalone form if it applies to your account, or use My Business Account or another eligible method. Different routes can have different availability and access requirements.
After successfully submitting, save the six-digit confirmation number. It confirms acceptance for processing, not payment.

Need help locating the code? See GST/HST access codes. For the full return workflow, see how to file GST/HST online.

What if there was no activity?

Generally, a registrant must file a return for each assigned reporting period. CRA’s nil-return option is for a return where all fields are zero. No sales alone do not establish that all fields are zero: other reportable amounts or eligible credits might apply. See nil-return examples.

Does submitting the return pay the balance?

No. Arrange payment separately when an amount is owing. Monthly and quarterly filers generally file and pay one month after period-end; most annual filers generally have three months after fiscal year-end, with a separate April 30 payment and June 15 filing rule for certain individual annual filers. Check your account and CRA’s deadline guidance. See also payment options.

What about Quebec?

If Revenu Québec administers your account, follow its GST/HST and QST filing options, including its account and express services when eligible.

Sources

Sources checked October 17, 2026.