Should the CRA File Your Taxes Automatically?

Official title: Consultation on Automatic tax filing

Closed Policy & Studies Finance & Consumer Technology & Digital
Many low-income Canadians miss out on benefits because they don't file taxes. The CRA wants to expand automatic tax filing services like SimpleFile to fix this. They're asking how to make it easier for people to get the credits they're owed without the hassle of filing.

Why This Matters

Ever put off filing your taxes because it felt too complicated? You're not alone. Millions of Canadians miss out on money they're owed—child benefits, GST credits, housing benefits—simply because they don't file. This could change that, especially for seniors, students, and anyone on a tight budget.

What Could Change

The CRA could automatically file tax returns for eligible Canadians, meaning benefits would arrive without you lifting a finger. SimpleFile and similar services could expand to cover more people. Tax software companies might see their role change as the government takes on more of the filing process.

Key Issues

  • How should automatic tax filing be expanded to reach more low-income Canadians?
  • What barriers prevent people from filing taxes and receiving benefits?
  • How can services like SimpleFile be improved?

How to Participate

  1. The online questionnaire was open from September 9 to October 9, 2025. The CRA is also engaging community organizations and tax industry representatives through roundtable discussions.

What Happened

The CRA received input through an online questionnaire that was open from September 9 to October 9, 2025. A summary of the consultation will be made available once complete. The CRA also formed an advisory group and is engaging community organizations and tax industry representatives through roundtable discussions.