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CRA Tax Adjustment Delays: What to Do If You're Waiting Over 47 Weeks

Canadians waiting for CRA to fix tax return errors may face up to 47 weeks of delays instead of the promised 20 weeks, causing financial stress and potential penalties.

June 12, 20263 min read

CRA Tax Adjustment Delays: What to Do If You're Waiting Over 47 Weeks

Key impact: If you've asked the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to fix an error on your tax return, you may now wait up to 47 weeks — more than double the 20-week service standard the CRA promises. This delay can hold up refunds, affect benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, and cause serious financial stress.

The Taxpayers' Ombudsperson has launched a formal investigation into these delays. As of May 14, 2026, the CRA is taking nearly a year to process complex T1 adjustment requests. The Ombudsperson has also asked the CRA to update its website to encourage online submissions instead of mailing paper forms, which can speed things up.

What is a complex T1 adjustment?

A "complex T1 adjustment" is a request to change a previously filed tax return. This includes:

  • Correcting errors (e.g., wrong income, missed deductions)
  • Claiming missed credits or deductions
  • Adjusting benefits like the Canada Child Benefit or GST/HST credits

These are different from routine adjustments (like fixing a simple math error), which the CRA still processes in about two weeks.

Who is affected?

You are affected if you:

  • Filed a complex T1 adjustment request on or after May 14, 2025 (i.e., within the past year)
  • Are still waiting for a response after 20 weeks
  • Need a refund or benefit recalculation to pay bills or avoid penalties
  • Mailed a paper form instead of submitting online

The Ombudsperson's investigation covers all Canadians with pending complex adjustments. If you're in this group, you may face financial hardship while you wait.

What you should do

1. Check your wait time

  • Log into your CRA My Account to see the status of your adjustment request.
  • Note the date you submitted it. If it's been more than 20 weeks, you are past the service standard.

2. File online if you haven't already

  • The CRA processes routine adjustments in two weeks when submitted online.
  • For complex adjustments, online submission is still faster than mailing paper forms.
  • Use CRA My Account or your tax software (e.g., TurboTax, UFile) to submit.

3. Contact the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson

  • If you've waited more than 20 weeks, you can file a complaint with the Ombudsperson's office.
  • They can investigate your case and push the CRA to act.
  • Visit their website or call their toll-free line (search "Taxpayers' Ombudsperson Canada").

4. Plan for the delay

  • Assume your adjustment will take up to 47 weeks.
  • Do not rely on a refund or benefit change to cover immediate expenses.
  • If you owe penalties or interest due to the delay, note that the Ombudsperson may recommend relief.

5. Keep records

  • Save your submission date, confirmation number, and any correspondence with the CRA.
  • If you mailed a paper form, keep a copy and proof of mailing (e.g., Canada Post receipt).

Bottom line

The CRA is taking up to 47 weeks to process complex T1 adjustment requests — far longer than the promised 20 weeks. This can delay refunds, affect benefits, and cause financial stress. The Taxpayers' Ombudsperson is investigating, but in the meantime, file online if possible, check your wait time, and contact the Ombudsperson if you've been waiting more than 20 weeks. Plan for a long wait and keep good records.

Source: Taxpayers' Ombudsperson announcement, May 14, 2026

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CRA Tax Adjustment Delays: What to Do If You're Waiting Over 47 Weeks — CanadaAsks