PDF Guides
Compressing Tax Documents for CRA Upload
Filing your return through NETFILE-certified software doesn't usually involve attaching documents. But if the CRA reviews your return and specifically requests supporting documents — receipts, statements, or other records — you can submit them electronically through CRA My Account or Represent a Client, and there are real limits on what you can upload.
When this applies
This covers the "Submit documents online" feature in CRA My Account, used specifically when the CRA has requested supporting documentation — for example during a post-assessment review. It isn't part of filing your return itself.
What the CRA accepts
According to CRA's own guidance, accepted file formats include .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .rtf, .txt, .jpg, .jpeg, .tiff, and .xps. The combined size of everything you submit in one go cannot exceed 150MB, and each file needs a unique, clear name.
How to prepare your documents
For a typical set of scanned receipts or statements, a few steps keep you well under the limit.
- Scan or photograph each document clearly
- Combine related pages (like a multi-page bank statement) into a single PDF rather than many separate image files
- Compress the combined PDF if it's still large — scanned pages compress well without losing legibility
- Give each file a clear name describing what it is, since the CRA reviewer needs to tell your documents apart
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as filing my tax return?
No. This is for submitting supporting documents when the CRA specifically requests them, separate from filing your return through certified tax software.
What's the maximum file size?
Per the CRA's published guidance, the total size of all documents submitted together cannot exceed 150MB.
Is my document uploaded to a server when I compress or merge it here?
No. Both tools run entirely in your browser, so your file never leaves your device before you submit it to the CRA yourself.