EFILE session authorization

When attempting to EFILE, NetFile or transmit a return, the EFILE window says The Canada Revenue Agency's records indicate that you are not authorized to use this service. Please call your helpdesk, even though other returns were accepted in the past.

This can occur due to software updates, such as those for Windows, antivirus, or security software. It may also be a permissions issue with the firewall.

To resolve this issue, check Windows Firewall as well as any antivirus or other security software. Also check the system date in the machine. If the system date falls behind the CRA EFILE start date, this error message will appear.

Add permissions in Windows Firewall

• Go to the Control Panel, then go to System and Security.
• Under Windows Firewall, choose Allow a program through Windows Firewall.
• Look for ProFile on the list. If it is missing, click Change Setting then Allow another program?
• Click Browse and navigate to C: Program Files (x86) > ProFileProFile.exe.
• Repeat this step for ProFile Update.

Add permissions in an antivirus program

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Look for an exception option. In most cases, it would be under Settings.
3. Under this setting, add ProFile and ProFile Update.

Check the internet options

At times, some settings can change with a Windows update. One such case is with the internet options.

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Select Network and Internet.
3. Click Internet Options.
4. Go to Connections and click LAN Settings.  
5. Uncheck Automatically detect settings and Use a proxy server for your LAN.
6. Check the SSL connections under the Advanced tab.
7. Check the options under Privacy > Advanced and Override automatic cookie handling.
8. Set First and Third-parties Cookies to Accept and Always allow session cookies.