SilverCompass FP

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK. PLEASE!
Tax season is stressful enough and hasn't even started but an elderly client sent me into heart palpitations yesterday when she sent me a big thank you for getting her a large refund "per the text she received from CRA" Hint: 1) We have not even reviewed her return for 2025 yet 2) the client doesn't pay any tax so she never gets a refund 3) ) CRA does not text and 4)CRA will never ask for your banking info.
The only reason this nice senior did lose any money was that she could not find the CV on the back of her bank card when entering her banking info into the text reply. However, she did try to get the code by visiting her local bank branch. Please be on alert for yourself and for any seniors or family members that might not be aware that all day long someone is trying to get their money, their identity or their info. These scams can lead to financial loss, identity theft and lots of stress.
The only email you will get from CRA will be to tell you that there is a message in your CRA portal. The message will come from a legitimate domain like -ard.gc.ca The email will not provide a direct link to a payment page or ask for info. Don't have a CRA portal? You need one ASAP and I will rant about that tomorrow. 😀🇨🇦

Just in case you missed it or skipped it all together, Canada Revenue Agency is currently in a rush to do better as they've been given a 100 day mandate by the government to make improvements because they are a mess (those are my words not the government's). The auditor general recently reported that only 18% of calls meet the 15 minute standard and when you do get through, only 17% of the time the answers received are accurate for individuals (54% for businesses) That's embarrassing & frustrating and not helpful. In response, CRA has decided they should update their technology! Here are 4 new ways that CRA hopes to lighten call volumes:
1) You can now "Register again" to regain access to your CRA account to avoid calling in to reset your access. This was a huge drain on the call lines because so many are locked out or have lost their info for accessing. (Important tip, always use your already established web banking credentials instead of a username and password)
2) You can now use a "manage balance" tool to set up payment arrangements, make payments, request a callback or connect with a collections officer instead of calling in
3) You can now check the status of disability tax credit approvals with a "call back" option
4) TFSA info for individuals is being updated because it's a source of confusion, frustration and major penalties when you exceed your contribution limit
CRA is reporting that call response rate improved to 77% in recent weeks up from 35% thanks to automation and digital upgrades. That seems remarkable but also frustrating at the same time if all the time and effort and screaming in recent YEARS might have been avoided if only the government had pushed CRA to do better earlier.

CRA improvements include self-service options, TFSA website info | Advisor.ca Changes tackle the burden of phone calls and service backlogs The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is in the middle of a 100-day service improvement plan, and the latest digital improvements reduce the need for taxpayers to pick up the phone to call the agency — a key aim of the plan.