Will CRA’s SimpleFile Help or Hinder Canadians? Most Say It Misses the Mark

Tax and financial advisors in Canada have been sharing their thoughts on CRA’s new SimpleFile system, and their opinions are strong. We asked if they thought the newly revamped automated tax system will help more Canadians access tax benefits and comply with the tax system. 92% said no – why? Check it out below!

Share your perspective by weighing in on this topic here!

“Changes made by the CRA often benefit the CRA more than they do Canadian taxpayers. The SimpleFile system will create a lot of errors and unintended omissions.”
– Cosmus George

“CRA can’t get anything right. Since the change to the new digital system, we have had many of the same clients audited or reviewed for the same things—donations and medical expenses—for a three-year period (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)—when the documents are exact to the penny for each year reviewed! Anything to try to get money from taxpayers. Very frustrating for clients.”
– Jean

“There may be slips — claims such as rent and disability tax credits (which are transferable if not needed by the person) — that could be missed or not claimed.”
– Robert D'Alessandro

“In my 15+ years of business, people are comfortable dealing with a person—be it a direct deposit request, filing through telephone banking (started during COVID), or volunteer tax centers. CRA keeps forgetting these people need social contact—they are already ignored and are being asked to be on their own.”
– RA

“CRA’s attempt to make things easier with SimpleFile is just a way for CRA to get more money. When one does not have a real person doing the actual tax return, there is lots of room for error.”
– Tammy Machan

“There will always be people who don’t have a digital phone for the numbers, don’t feel comfortable talking on the phone or to people they don’t know, or whose first language isn’t English or French, so they need an interpreter or someone to actually read their paperwork.”
– Rosalind

“The government has offered free tax clinics, phone-in tax services, and mailed tax packages to individuals for years now. This new service is another approach to assist lower-income taxpayers, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to file their taxes so that no benefits or credits are missed.

My concern is that the new system is invitation-based only. Invitations were sent out earlier in the summer of 2025 for filing in 2026. Taxpayers need to keep the invitation, as it holds key information needed to proceed with filing. This may sound like a simple task, but it may not be simple for many people.

If it works, it will be a big help to taxpayers who really depend on benefits and credits each month.”
– Ann-Margaret Laurin

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