Acknowledgement files

EFILE Online

When you transmit your client's return using this option, you will either receive a confirmation number meaning we have accepted the return for processing or an error message requesting you to make a correction before retransmitting the return. A code (2139) may be displayed informing you that the return may be selected for pre-assessment review verification.

EFILE Online Plus

When you transmit a batch of returns, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) creates a file name. This same file name, with an ".ack" extension, will be used to retrieve your acknowledgement file. The acknowledgement file indicates:

1. If the batch contained formatting errors that made it impossible to process the incoming file;

   or

2. The status of each return in the batch as being:
   
   
   • Accepted:

     A code (2139) may be displayed informing you that the return may be selected for pre-assessment review verification.

   • Rejected:

     Error codes are displayed to inform you of the corrective action necessary.

     You can get the full text description of each error clue from your tax calculation software package or by downloading Chapter 2 of the Electronic Filers Manual.

We recommend that you pick up all acknowledgement files as soon as possible. This will minimize delays in processing your clients' returns especially where corrective action is necessary. It will also allow you to provide your clients with confirmation that CRA has their return.

The action menu, which is displayed following Log in provides three distinct methods to obtain these acknowledgements:

1. Retrieve outstanding acknowledgements

   Used to retrieve acknowledgements for the initial time. You may continue this file transfer procedure until you have obtained all outstanding acknowledgements.

2. Retrieve a specific acknowledgement

   Used to request a specific acknowledgement be made available to you. This request may be made for either a first or subsequent transmission of the file. Input of the assigned transmission file name is necessary to use this option.

3. View transmission history

   Used to view your transmission history from the beginning of the EFILE program to the current date.