Tax deadline May 1st; filing required despite CRA strike
The deadline for individuals to file their tax returns with Revenue Canada is Monday, May 1st, because since April 30 is a Sunday. A tax return is considered on time if the CRA receives it, or if it is postmarked, on or before the next business day after April 30 which in 2023 is May 1st.
The current labour action by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not change the deadline for filing tax returns. All paper returns and mail sent to the CRA will be stockpiled for future processing.
If you are self-employed, the deadline for filing is June 15th.
As a result of labour disruptions, many CRA services are expected to be delayed or unavailable. There will be delays in processing some income tax and benefit returns, particularly those filed by paper, and increased wait times in CRA contact centres.
The availability of CRA contact centre services will be dependent on the type and duration of the labour action. Consult the Contact Us page for business hours and wait times as a result of the following impacts:
- Benefits and Individual Tax phone lines are open with reduced agent capacity.
- On the Individual Tax phone line, priority will be given to callers who need to file a tax return to obtain family or child benefits.
- The Business Tax Enquiries phone line is closed.
- The Debt Management Call Centre is closed.
- Online chat with a CRA agent is closed.
Services which will be maintained are:
- The Canada child benefit (CCB) program will continue to operate throughout any labour disruptions. This includes the processing of applications and the issuance of benefit payments.
- CRA’s Benefit Enquiries line will continue to operate, responding to calls regarding the issuance of benefit payments, including the CCB. It is expected however that the wait times to reach an agent will be longer than usual.
- All benefits linked to the filing of a tax return such as the GST/HST credit, climate action incentive payment (CAIP) will continue to be issued as per usual.
“We also encourage Canadians to file their taxes as soon as possible, not only this year but every year,” the CRA website states. “Registering for CRA My Account access will enable you to use digital services such as Auto-fill my return and Express NOA in certified tax-filing software. There are a variety of NETFILE-certified software products to meet your needs, some of which are free.”
