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CRA Tax Adjustment Delays Now Stretch Up to 47 Weeks — Here's How to Avoid Getting Stuck

   July 12, 2026   If you've ever filed a request to correct or update your tax return and then waited... and waited... you're not imagining it. Canada's Taxpayers' Ombudsperson has confirmed that some Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) adjustment requests are now taking nearly a year to process — and it's launched a formal investigation into why. What's Actually Happening When you need to change something on a tax return you've already filed — say you forgot a slip, need to update a deduction, or want to claim a credit you missed — you submit what's called a T1 adjustment request. The CRA sorts these into two speeds: Routine requests (filed online through your CRA My Account or certified tax software) have a service standard of just 2 weeks . By phone or mail, the standard is 8 weeks. Complex requests — where the CRA needs more documentation or a deeper review — carry a service standard of 20 weeks . The problem: the CRA isn't hitting even its own "...

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What Happens If You Don’t File Your Taxes in Canada?

 

As the April 30 tax deadline approaches, it’s crucial to understand the consequences of not filing your tax return in Canada. Whether you owe money or not, failing to meet the deadline can lead to serious repercussions. Let’s dive into what you need to know:

  1. Late Filing Penalty:

    • If you owe taxes and miss the filing deadline, the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) imposes a late filing penalty. This penalty is calculated as follows:
      • Five percent of your 2023 balance owing.
      • Additional one percent for each full month you file after the due date, up to a maximum of 12 months.
    • In total, you could end up paying 17 percent of any balance you owe.
  2. Interest Charges:

    • The CRA charges compound daily interest on any balance owing for 2023 that you’re unable to pay by the April 30 deadline.
    • The interest rate is approximately 10 percent, and it accumulates daily starting from May 1, 2024.
  3. Severe Actions for Consistent Late Filers:

    • If you consistently file late or ignore repeated requests, the CRA can take more severe actions:
      • Garnishing wages.
      • Freezing bank accounts.
      • Placing liens on properties.
      • In extreme cases, tax evasion or fraud charges, which may lead to jail time.
  4. Benefits at Risk:

    • Even if you don’t owe money, timely filing is essential to maintain benefits such as:
      • Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
      • Provincial and territorial payments.
    • Failure to file could result in losing these benefits.

Remember, meeting the tax deadline is crucial to avoid penalties, interest, and potential legal consequences. Whether you owe money or not, file your taxes on time to stay on the right side of the CRA! 

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