# UFile not working: sign-in, loading and CRA connection fixes Source: https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/canadian-software/ufile-not-working Publisher: Tax Software Desk (taxsoftwaredesk.com), independent editorial site Topic: Wealthsimple, UFile and Other Canadian Software Last updated: 2026-09-19 > When UFile is not working, first check which version you use. UFile ONLINE problems are usually browser-side: pop-up blockers, cookies, cache or the wrong tax year at sign-in. UFile for Windows problems are usually an outdated build or an unsupported system. Errors while connecting to the CRA often come from a computer clock more than five minutes off or from CRA servers being down. ## Key facts - UFile for Windows needs: Windows 11, 250 MB disk space, 1024x768 display - Computers per UFile for Windows licence: Up to 2 - Clock tolerance for CRA Auto-fill: 5 minutes (UFile) - Rejections before NETFILE blocks you: 5 (UFile) - UFile ONLINE free threshold: Total family income of $20,000 or less ## Why is UFile not working? UFile not working can mean three different failures: you cannot sign in or the pages will not load, the program will not connect to the CRA for Auto-fill or NETFILE, or the payment step stalls. Each has its own fix, and the right one depends on whether you use UFile ONLINE in a browser or UFile for Windows on your own computer. > **Independent site:** Tax Software Desk is independent and is not affiliated with Intuit, H&R Block, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, Block Inc. (Cash App Taxes), Wealthsimple, UFile or any other software company. UFile's own help centre is at ufile.ca/help. ## UFile ONLINE versus UFile for Windows Both versions are NETFILE-certified and both support Auto-fill my return, but they break in different places. UFile ONLINE runs in your browser and saves your file on UFile's servers. UFile for Windows is installed software that stores the tax file on your computer. | | UFile ONLINE | UFile for Windows | | --- | --- | --- | | Where it runs | Web browser, any device | Installed on a Windows PC | | Where your file lives | UFile's servers | Your computer | | Updates | Automatic | You must install the latest update to NETFILE | | System needs | A current browser with cookies and pop-ups allowed | Windows 11, 250 MB free space, 1024x768 screen, internet to file | | Typical failures | Sign-in, blank pages, pop-ups | Old build, Windows 10 issues, install errors | How the two UFile versions differ when troubleshooting (UFile Help Centre) ### UFile for Windows on Windows 10 UFile says its Windows program still runs on Windows 10, but because Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, UFile no longer offers official support, bug fixes or guaranteed compatibility on it. If the program misbehaves on Windows 10, moving to Windows 11 or to UFile ONLINE is the supported route. Installer failures are covered in [UFile not installing](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/canadian-software/ufile-not-installing). ## UFile login issues and UFile not loading Most UFile ONLINE sign-in failures come from stored browser data or a mistyped password. UFile's own sign-in checklist, in order: 1. Check the date and time on your computer. 2. If Remember my username is ticked, untick it and sign in again. 3. Type the password exactly as created; it is case-sensitive, and an extra space counts as a wrong character. Check that Caps Lock is off. 4. Choose the correct tax year on the sign-in page. 5. Update your browser, or try a different one. 6. Clear the browser cache, close the whole browser, reopen it and sign in again. To reset a forgotten password, select Did you forget your password? on the Sign in to UFile page, enter your username, answer your security question, and follow the link in the email UFile sends. ### Locked out by two-factor authentication UFile ONLINE supports Google Authenticator for two-factor sign-in. When you enable it, UFile shows a recovery key once only. If you lose the phone, that recovery key is what turns two-factor off, so store it somewhere other than the phone. ### Pages load blank or buttons do nothing UFile ONLINE needs pop-ups and cookies allowed. UFile's help also warns that antivirus programs and other software that changes browser behaviour can interfere, so pause those while you work. Browser security set too high can have the same effect. ## Why won't UFile connect to the CRA? UFile talks to the CRA twice: once to download your slips through Auto-fill my return, and once to send the return through NETFILE. When UFile is not connecting to the CRA, work out which of the two failed. ### Auto-fill download fails - Set your computer's clock and time zone correctly. UFile says the CRA voids the transaction if your clock is more than five minutes off. - You must be registered for CRA My Account. To download someone else's data you must be authorized as their representative. - If UFile shows Error connecting with CRA server. Please try again later, select OK and repeat the download step. - Slips the CRA has not processed yet will not download in any product; most are available by mid-March. UFile also says to check every downloaded slip for duplicates and omissions before filing. ### NETFILE transmission fails - The underlying connection was closed: UFile says this may mean the CRA servers are down. Check the CRA site and try later. - The NETFILE tab says you are not eligible: go back to the Review tab and fix the errors listed there first. - A numbered code comes back: that is the CRA rejecting the return. See [UFile error codes](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/canadian-software/ufile-error-codes) or UFile NETFILE error. - Five rejections: UFile says the CRA then blocks NETFILE for you, and only the CRA can lift the block. ## Payment step problems in UFile UFile ONLINE charges per family member, so the price you see at the payment step depends on who is in the file. As of September 2026, UFile's help centre lists these prices, all plus applicable taxes: | Product or return | Price | | --- | --- | | UFile ONLINE, family head | $20.95 | | UFile ONLINE, spouse | $16.00 | | UFile ONLINE, each dependant | $10.00 | | Individuals or families with total income (line 15000) of $20,000 or less | No charge | | UFile PREMIUM (ONLINE only, priority support) | $32.95 single, $48.95 family | | UFile for Windows | UFile 4 at $26.99, UFile 12 at $42.99 | UFile prices listed in its help centre (checked September 2026) Worked example: a couple with one child who must file pays $20.95 + $16.00 + $10.00 = $46.95 before tax for UFile ONLINE. UFile says to pay only for dependants who actually need to send a return, so leave out a child who does not have to file. Paying does not send anything. Each family member's return must be transmitted separately, and each accepted return gets its own CRA confirmation number. ## Is UFile not working today for everyone? If UFile ONLINE fails on two devices and two networks, the problem is on the service side and waiting is the fix. If only transmission fails, check whether NETFILE is open: for the current season it runs from February 23, 2026 to January 29, 2027. The 2027 opening date for 2026 returns has not been announced; the CRA usually announces it in January or February. For other certified programs and how their problems compare, see the [Canadian tax software hub](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/canadian-software). Trouble pulling slips from the CRA in any product is covered in Auto-fill my return not working. ## Common questions ### Why can't I sign in to UFile ONLINE? Check the computer's date and time, untick Remember my username, confirm the tax year selected, and retype the case-sensitive password. If it still fails, clear the browser cache or try another browser. ### Does UFile work on Windows 10? UFile says UFile for Windows still runs on Windows 10 but no longer receives official support, bug fixes or compatibility guarantees there. It recommends Windows 11. ### Why does UFile say Error connecting with CRA server? The Auto-fill download could not complete. Select OK and repeat the download step; also check that your clock and time zone are correct, since UFile says a gap of more than five minutes voids the CRA transaction. ### How many computers can I install UFile for Windows on? UFile says UFile for Windows can be installed on up to two computers. ### Is UFile free? UFile ONLINE is free for individuals or families whose total income on line 15000 is $20,000 or less. UFile also lists free filing for students, first-time filers and simple returns. ### I paid for UFile. Was my return filed? No. Filing happens only when you transmit each return through NETFILE and get a CRA confirmation number for it. ## Sources - [UFile Help Centre: Getting started (sign-in, system requirements, Auto-fill)](https://www.ufile.ca/help/getting-started) - [UFile Help Centre: Before you start (versions, prices, Windows 10)](https://www.ufile.ca/help/before-you-start) - [UFile Help Centre: Filing your return](https://www.ufile.ca/help/filing-your-return) - [UFile FAQ: Auto-fill my return (CRA)](https://support.drtax.ca/ufile/kb/web/source/webpages/kpa240-20160212232848ni.htm) - [UFile FAQ: Login, not able to sign in](https://support.drtax.ca/ufile/kb/web/source/webpages/kpw120-20160923161420ni.htm) - [CRA: NETFILE eligibility and service dates](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/netfile-overview/eligibility.html)