CRA Takes Up to 47 Weeks for Tax Return Changes, Watchdog Reports

Taxpayers seeking to amend their income tax returns are facing lengthy delays, with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) taking as long as 47 weeks to process some requests. This timeline significantly exceeds the agency's own standard for handling "complex" adjustments to T1 tax returns, which is typically around 20 weeks.

Taxpayers' ombudsperson François Boileau announced an examination into the CRA's processing times, prompted by a "consistently high level of complaints." Boileau acknowledged the pressure on the CRA but emphasized that these T1 adjustments impact numerous individuals and that delays can create significant problems for those seeking resolution.

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We understand that the CRA is under tremendous pressure to deliver its services to the public. But T1 adjustments affect many taxpayers, and delays can cause real issues for those who are seeking redress.

The extended wait times come as the federal finance minister previously scrutinized the CRA's services, calling for a 100-day plan to address "unacceptable" performance. While common adjustments submitted online are usually processed within two weeks, and by mail within eight, complex cases requiring deeper review or additional information can drag on considerably. The CRA's own reporting indicates that taxpayers are experiencing "undue delays," with processing times reaching up to 47 weeks as of mid-May, far surpassing the 20-week service standard for complex requests.

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According to the CRA’s own reporting, taxpayers are facing undue delays.