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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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Rising CRA Scrutiny: Four Audit Hot Spots Canadians Should Watch



Canadian taxpayers and business owners are facing a period of heightened enforcement as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) expands its audit activity. Recent shifts show a clear pattern: the CRA is leaning more heavily on data matching, AI‑driven analytics, and strengthened legislative powers to identify inconsistencies and pursue non‑compliance. Four areas, in particular, are drawing increased attention.

1. Inconsistent Revenue Reporting

The CRA is closely comparing GST/HST filings with corporate income tax returns, and mismatches are one of the fastest triggers for an audit. When sales reported for GST/HST don’t align with income tax filings, the CRA flags the discrepancy for review. 

2. Expense Claims That Don’t Match Business Activity

Expense claims that appear unusually high relative to revenue are under sharper scrutiny. The CRA is using benchmarking tools to compare businesses within the same industry, making outlier claims more visible than ever. 

3. Capital Gains Reporting

Even though proposed changes to the capital gains inclusion rate were cancelled, the CRA has significantly increased enforcement around capital gains reporting. This includes verifying the accuracy of reported dispositions, adjusted cost bases, and compliance with the 50% inclusion rate. 

4. International and Cryptocurrency Holdings

Expanded audit powers now give the CRA more tools to verify offshore assets, foreign income, and cryptocurrency transactions. These areas are a priority as new legislative proposals strengthen the CRA’s ability to demand information and penalize non‑cooperation. 

Why This Matters

The CRA’s audit posture for 2025–2026 reflects a broader shift toward stronger enforcement, supported by new compliance orders, penalties, and compulsory interview powers. Understanding these high‑risk areas helps taxpayers prepare, correct issues early, and reduce the likelihood of an audit. 


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