CRA Shut Down: Communicate Proactively Before Long Weekend

Evelyn Jacks

Did you know that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be undergoing a digital migration on the September long weekend, starting Friday August 29 at 8:00 p.m. and ending Tuesday at 6:00 am September 2, with the proviso that this possibly could last til September 3? What could go wrong? Plenty.

Backdrop. CRA is actively transitioning from paper-based communications methods to digital platforms, to leveraging online services and mobile applications. This is with the support of Shared Services Canada (SSC) – described as the digital backbone of the Government of Canada.

The migration involves modernizing IT infrastructure, enhancing digital tools for employees and improving service delivery to the Canadian public. SSC ‘s top role is to provide secure, reliable and seamless, improved user experiences. 

For example, the SSC has reported that the government of Canada experiences trillions of cyber security events each year. In 2024 alone, it processed more than 7,000 cases of phishing, malware and other suspicious activities, and purged more than 121,000 emails. It also provides security assessments, automated threat detection services and continuous security monitoring for the applications, network devices and systems it manages for the government.

The Shutdown. The following services will be unavailable:

• EFILE for Individuals (T1)
• Auto-fill my return (AFR)
• Notice of assessment via Tax Software
• Client Data Enquiry
• ReFILE service
• CRA email notifications
• Foreign reporting web services (e.g., T1134, T1135)
• Corporation Internet Filing (T2)
• T1 and T2 Special Elections and Returns web services
• EFILE for Trusts (T3)
• AgriStability/AgriInvest Corporation Forms submission service

What Can Go Wrong. For tax accountants and their clients, it’s important to plan for this shutdown so that critical filings are made before end of day August 29. Otherwise clients may be subject to additional costs – like interest charges on debt or other collections actions. This will be amplified if there are glitches in the system after migration (not uncommon in other such migration events) or other unanticipated issues after migration.

The Bottom Line. Communicate proactively with your clients now to schedule appointments to complete important tax filings. . .then plan to take a well deserved rest for the Labor Day Weekend!