Last year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) received 32 million calls, with peak days close to 300,000 calls/day during tax season. The CRA says its recent 100-day service improvement plan improved call-centre performance (about 70% of unique calls answered during that period, with peaks of 92%)—but the real test is coming as deadlines approach.
Here’s how to move through tax season efficiently (and avoid last-minute chaos):
✅ Do this NOW (before filing opens)
1) Test your CRA login
Make sure you can sign in to My Account today, not when everyone else is trying.
2) Add a backup MFA option (important!)
Starting February, CRA account users must have a backup multi-factor authentication (MFA) option on file (example: passcode grid or an authenticator app).
3) Find & save your NETFILE code
CRA says your NETFILE access code will be easier to find in My Account:
My Account → “Tax returns”
Grab it and store it somewhere safe now.
🗓 Key 2026 dates (2025 tax year)
- Feb 23, 2026 — earliest day to file online (NETFILE opens)
- Apr 30, 2026 — filing deadline for most individuals
- Self-employed? Separate rules apply — talk to your accountant/bookkeeper.
⚠️ Two big reminders to avoid headaches
❌ Don’t file until you have ALL your tax slips
If you file early and then a missing slip shows up, you create extra work for you and the CRA (amendments, delays, potential reviews).
- If you invest: plan to wait for slips that can arrive end of March / early April.
- If you have a small business: don’t crowdsource this—get professional advice.
🗃 Keep your records
Keep a copy of your return and supporting documents for at least 7 years (many people keep 10 years to be extra safe). Systems can crash; CRA can still ask you for proof later.