firewall blocking an outgoing file CODE 113

Question

Please help. I do volunteer tax work for the CRA, and my firewall is stopping my files from being e-filed.

Answer 1

Hi Josie Vanderzee, 

I understand how stressful it is to be blocked by a firewall when you’re trying to submit important tax files. The error code 113 often means the connection cannot reach the remote server at all. Besides what the Q&A Assist has suggested, here’s what you can try:

1 - Allow the e‑file application through the firewall

• Press Windows key > type Windows Security > open the app
• Go to Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall
• Click Change settings > look for your tax/e‑file software:
  • If found > make sure both Private and Public are checked
  • If not > click Allow another app > Browse > select the program (.exe)
• Click OK and close Windows Security > try e‑filing again.

2 - Create/adjust an outbound rule

• Press Windows key > type wf.msc > press Enter > Outbound Rules
• Check for any rule related to your tax software:
  • If there is a Block rule > disable or delete it
  • If nothing exists > click New Rule > Program > Next
  • Select your tax software > Choose Allow the connection
  • Apply to Domain, Private, Public > Close and retry again.

If this still doesn’t resolve it, consider sharing the exact name of the tax/e‑file software, and whether the error appears immediately or after trying to send. Some tax apps require very specific outbound rules, and we might need to configure that.

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Answer 2

Follow these steps on Windows 11 to check and adjust the firewall so outgoing tax e-file traffic is not blocked:

1. Verify whether a third‑party firewall or security suite is installed
   • Many antivirus products include their own firewall that can block outgoing connections.
   • Open the antivirus/security app and look for a “Firewall” or “Network protection” section.
   • Temporarily disable its firewall and try e‑filing again.
   • If e‑filing works with it disabled, add the tax software as an allowed/trusted application or create an outbound rule for it instead of leaving the firewall off.
2. Check Windows Firewall status
   • If using only Windows Firewall, follow the guidance under Turn Windows Firewall on or off for Windows 11:
     • Open the Windows Security settings.
     • Go to Firewall & network protection.
     • Confirm the active network profile (Domain, Private, or Public) and that the firewall is on.
   • For testing only, temporarily turn the firewall off for the active profile, attempt the e‑file, and then turn it back on immediately.
   • If e‑filing works only when the firewall is off, create an allow rule for the tax program:
     • In Firewall & network protection, open Advanced settings.
     • Create a new Outbound Rule for the tax software’s executable, allowing connections on the ports it uses (often HTTPS over port 443).
3. Avoid opening general file‑sharing ports
   • Do not open SMB/file‑sharing ports (UDP/TCP 135–139, 445) to the Internet, as these are for file sharing and increase exposure to attacks.
   • Keep these ports closed on Internet‑facing connections; only adjust rules specifically for the tax software’s outbound HTTPS or required ports.
4. If on an office or shared network
   • A router or network firewall may be blocking the connection.
   • Contact the network administrator or ISP and provide the error and the tax software name so they can allow the required outbound traffic.

After each change, test e‑filing again. Once a rule is in place that allows the tax application’s outbound connection, re‑enable all firewalls and keep only the specific allow rule.

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References:

• Internet firewalls can prevent browsing and file sharing
• Unlicensed Product and activation errors in Office
• Error code 12002-4, 12007-4, or 12152-4 when installing Office