CRA taking twice as long to process complex tax return changes
The Taxpayers' Ombudsperson found the Canada Revenue Agency is taking up to 47 weeks to process complex T1 adjustments, double the service standard of 20 weeks.
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Canadians who make changes to their tax returns could face lengthy delays, according to a new examination by the Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson released Thursday.
The watchdog found that the CRA is taking up to 47 weeks to process complex T1 adjustment requests — roughly twice the service standard of 20 weeks that applies to more complicated cases.
Routine adjustments requested through "Change my return" in CRA accounts or through tax software should be processed within two weeks. Standard changes by phone or mail should take eight weeks. But when the CRA determines a request is complex — because it needs more information or requires additional review — the timeline stretches significantly.
François Boileau, the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson, said the delays are affecting many Canadians. "T1 adjustments affect many taxpayers, and delays can cause real issues for those who are seeking redress," he stated in a news release.
The watchdog has asked the CRA to encourage taxpayers to file changes online rather than by printing and mailing forms, to speed up processing. The agency is under pressure to deliver services, but "is not currently meeting its service standard," Boileau said.
Based on the examination's findings, the ombudsperson may make recommendations to reduce CRA service delays.