Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson

The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson, François Boileau, has opened a systemic examination into the options available for taxpayers experiencing issues with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Our research shows many taxpayers struggle to identify the correct option for their situation—whether it’s a tax dispute or a service complaint. This confusion can lead to delays, inefficiencies, and even perceived unfairness.
Our Office is examining these processes to ensure they are clear, fair, and efficient for all taxpayers. Learn more about this important work ➡️ https://ow.ly/nfgV50Z6CpI

How can the CRA provide more transparent reporting on its contact centres? This is a question we asked ourselves recently. It led to the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson making requests to the CRA to enhance its transparency.

In his latest Service Improvement Request, the Ombudsperson has asked the CRA to:

▪️ Break down performance metrics by service line (Individual, Business, Benefits).
▪️ Add details like wait times, abandoned calls, and total calls served.
▪️ Update reporting more frequently to improve accountability.

These updates can enhance service quality and build public trust. What reporting metrics would you find most helpful? Let us know in the comments and learn more about the request here: https://ow.ly/fphU50Z4amZ

Service Improvement Request — Contact Centre Reporting - Canada.ca The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson has requested that the CRA enhance its contact centre reporting on its Continuous Service Improvement web page.

Have you used the CRA’s digital services recently? We want to know about your experience!
The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson requested the CRA improve key areas of their digital services through these two recent Service Improvement Requests:

1️⃣ The CRA's Contact Web Page
The Taxpayer’s Ombudsperson requested simplifying the page’s navigation and prioritizing digital self-service options to help taxpayers find the information they need quickly and reduce wait times at contact centres.

2️⃣ Digital Services First
To encourage more taxpayers to use faster and more efficient online tools, the Ombudsperson requested the CRA provide better guidance and make digital options the default for common tasks, while still ensuring accessibility for everyone.

These changes could make a big difference for taxpayers like you. What do you think of the CRA’s move to digital services? Let us know in the comments and learn more about our requests here ➡️ https://www.canada.ca/en/taxpayers-ombudsperson/programs/examining-systemic-issues/service-improvement-requests.html

Service Improvement Requests - Canada.ca Outlines the Service Improvement Requests issued by the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) when opportunities to improve service are identified. These requests stem from systemic examinations, research, outreach feedback, and individual complaints.

Applications for The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant are open!

If you hosted a free tax clinic between June 1st, 2025 and May 30th, 2026, your organization could be eligible to get funding to help cover the costs. The amount you could get is based on how many tax returns your organization filed.

Apply before June 30th, 2026: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program/grant.html

[Image description: A smiling volunteer with the text : “Apply by June 30th, 2026”]

How was your experience this tax season?

Tax season is officially over! Here’s a snapshot of what it looked like in 2026:

✅ Over 28.5 million tax returns were filed
✅ 95.6% were filed electronically
✅ Around 15 million refunds were issued
✅ The average refund was $2,282
✅ Over 480,000 returns were filed through free tax clinics

Take a look at all the numbers behind the 2026 tax season 👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/2026/05/canadians-experience-improved-service-delivery-and-responsiveness-from-the-cra-this-tax-season.html

Haven’t done your taxes yet? It’s not too late! Filing now can help you avoid penalties and interest and keep your benefit and credit payments on track: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/get-ready-taxes.html

[Image description: A person looking to the side, with the text “A snapshot of the 2026 tax season.”]

💻 Make changes to your tax return online!

You’ll get your notice of reassessment and any refund you’re owed faster than if you submit your request by mail 👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/after-you-file/change-return.html?utm_content=2026-04-17_2219

[Image description: A smiling person sitting at a desk holding a pencil with notebooks and a laptop in front of them. Text reads “Need to make a change to your tax return?”]

Exciting News! At NOON today, April 28th, our very own Ombudsperson François Boileau will be LIVE on CBC’s "Ontario Today". He'll be discussing all things tax season and answering YOUR questions! Got a burning question? Listen live at CBC's website & let us know your thoughts below!
Listen here ➡️

Ontario Today with Amanda Pfeffer | Live Radio | CBC Listen Unscripted and honest radio debates. Ontario Today is never shy. The host, studio guests and callers dive right into the contentious issues of the day. CBC Radio One from 12 to 1 ET. Call-in 1-888-817-8995.

🎙️ Exciting news! Our Ombudsperson, François Boileau, was featured on The Tax Chick podcast!
In this two-part series, François dives into the challenges and opportunities within Canada’s tax system, including:
👉 What to do when CRA service doesn’t meet expectations.
👉 The realities of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
👉 Barriers faced by vulnerable Canadians and how we can drive positive change.

🎧 Tune in to Part 1: https://ow.ly/4fnW50YIfZW
🎧 Don’t miss Part 2: https://ow.ly/Jv4550YIfZX

We’re here to ensure fairness and accountability when dealing with CRA service issues. Share this post and help spread the word!

More Than Complaints: A Candid Conversation with the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson (Part II) The Tax Chick Podcast · Episode