As the April 30, 2025, tax filing deadline approaches, Canadian taxpayers are grappling with a frustrating issue: missing tax slips on the Canada Revenue Agency’s online portals.
Despite a new validation process introduced by the CRA to ensure accurate data, many T4s, T5s, and other critical tax documents remain unavailable digitally.
This glitch is slowing down tax filings, creating headaches for individuals and professionals alike, and raising concerns about potential errors in returns.
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What’s Happening with CRA Missing Tax Slips in 2025?
The CRA’s online platforms, such as CRA My Account, are the go-to for accessing tax slips like T4s (employment income) and T5s (investment income).
These documents are typically uploaded by employers and financial institutions by late February, allowing taxpayers and tax software like TurboTax or Wealthsimple to autofill returns seamlessly.
However, in January 2025, the CRA rolled out a new validation process to verify the accuracy of these slips before they’re posted online.
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While the goal was to enhance data integrity, the system has backfired, leaving many slips missing or duplicated as the tax deadline nears.
According to a CRA spokesperson, the agency is “actively working to address outstanding issues” and collaborating with issuers to resolve the problem.
Earlier this month, the CRA told The Globe and Mail it aimed to fix the issue by mid-April, but no clear progress has been confirmed.
Tax expert Kim G. C. Moody, founder of Moodys Tax, notes that while some slips are starting to appear, many remain unavailable, and duplicate slips are creating additional confusion.
The issue appears random, affecting various slip types and issuers without a clear pattern.
Key Points:
- New CRA Process: Introduced in January 2025 to validate tax slip data.
- Impact: Missing or duplicated slips on CRA My Account.
- CRA’s Response: Working with issuers, but no firm resolution date.
- Random Nature: No specific slip type or issuer consistently affected.
How Missing Tax Slips Affect Your 2025 Tax Filing
The absence of digital tax slips doesn’t exempt you from the April 30 deadline, especially if you owe taxes.
Failing to file on time could result in penalties, making it critical to understand how to proceed.
Here’s how the issue impacts different groups and what you can do.
For Individuals Filing Their Own Taxes
If you rely on tax software like TurboTax or Wealthsimple, the missing slips disable the autofill feature, forcing you to manually enter data.
This can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially if you overlook income sources.
Shari-Lynn Hiltz, a certified bookkeeper in Halifax, advises cross-referencing your income with documents like your final 2024 paystub or investment statements to ensure accuracy.
Steps to File Without Digital Slips:
Gather Physical Copies: Employers and financial institutions send you copies of T4s, T5s, and other slips. Check your email, online banking portals, or employee dashboards for digital versions, or wait for mailed copies.
Manually Enter Data: Input income details into your tax software line by line. Double-check figures to avoid mistakes.
Verify Income Sources: Contact your employer or financial advisor to confirm you have all necessary slips.
File on Time: Even if the process is slower, submit your return by April 30 to avoid late penalties. You can amend your return later if discrepancies arise.
Risks of Errors:
Underreporting Income: Missing a slip could lead to penalties or interest if the CRA identifies unreported income.
Missed Deductions: Incomplete data might cause you to overlook tax credits or deductions, reducing your refund.
For Tax Professionals
Tax preparers like Hiltz and Moody are facing significant delays.
Hiltz reports that nearly all her clients have at least one missing slip, forcing her to pause returns while clients track down documents.
This manual process, combined with the loss of autofill, has set her back by weeks, potentially pushing some filings past the deadline.
Moody adds that the time to process a return could triple or quadruple for complex cases, straining professionals during an already hectic season.
TurboTax’s Statement
TurboTax acknowledged the issue in an email, noting that the missing slips are disrupting their autofill feature.
The company is in direct contact with CRA officials, urging swift action to resolve the problem for customers.
Why the CRA’s New Process Is Failing
The CRA’s validation process was intended to catch errors in tax slip data before it reached taxpayers.
However, the system’s implementation has been flawed, leading to widespread delays.
Experts like Moody point to a broader pattern of technological and procedural issues at the CRA, citing recent tax seasons marred by last-minute changes:
- 2023: A sudden extension for vacant property tax filings.
- 2024: A last-minute pause on bare trust filing requirements.
Moody calls for a “serious reflection” on the CRA’s technology platforms, emphasizing that these recurring issues erode trust and efficiency.
The lack of a deadline extension in 2025 further exacerbates the pressure on taxpayers and professionals.
Actionable Tips to File Your Taxes on Time
To ensure you meet the April 30 deadline despite the CRA’s issues, follow these expert-backed strategies:
Organize Your Documents Early:
Collect all physical or digital tax slips from employers, banks, and investment firms.
Use a checklist to track T4s, T5s, RRSP contributions, and other relevant documents.
Leverage Alternative Sources:
Download slips from your employer’s portal, online banking, or investment platforms.
Contact financial advisors for missing documents.
Double-Check Your Income:
Compare T4 income with your final 2024 paystub.
Review bank statements for interest or dividend income reported on T5s.
Communicate with Your Tax Preparer:
If using a professional, send all available slips promptly via email or in person.
Ask about their timeline to ensure your return is filed on time.
File Even If Incomplete:
If you’re missing minor slips but expect to owe taxes, file by April 30 and amend later.
The CRA allows amendments to correct errors or add missing income.
Avoid Autofill Reliance:
Be prepared to manually enter data into tax software.
Save your progress frequently to avoid losing work.
Monitor CRA Updates:
Check CRA My Account regularly for newly uploaded slips.
Follow CRA’s social media or news releases for announcements on fixes.
The Bigger Picture: CRA’s Technology Woes
The 2025 tax slip debacle is not an isolated incident.
The CRA has faced criticism for outdated systems and last-minute policy changes that disrupt tax season.
For example:
Digital Infrastructure: The CRA’s online portals have struggled to handle high traffic and complex processes, leading to glitches like the current slip issue.
Communication Gaps: The agency’s vague responses about resolution timelines leave taxpayers and professionals frustrated.
Recurring Issues: From bare trust confusion in 2024 to vacant property extensions in 2023, the CRA’s track record suggests systemic challenges.
Moody argues that the CRA must invest in modernizing its technology and streamlining internal processes to prevent future disruptions.
Without these changes, taxpayers will continue to bear the burden of the agency’s inefficiencies.
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How to Avoid Common Tax Filing Mistakes in 2025
The missing slips increase the risk of errors, which could lead to penalties or missed savings.
Here’s how to minimize mistakes:
Cross-Reference Income: Verify all income sources against slips, paystubs, and bank statements.
Track Deductions: Ensure you claim all eligible credits, such as RRSP contributions or medical expenses.
Keep Records: Save copies of all slips and correspondence with the CRA for at least six years.
Seek Professional Help: If overwhelmed, hire a certified accountant or bookkeeper to ensure accuracy.
Hiltz emphasizes the importance of diligence: “Take the extra time to verify everything. It’s better to spend a few hours now than deal with CRA audits later.”
What If You Miss the April 30 Deadline?
If you owe taxes and fail to file by April 30, the CRA imposes a late-filing penalty of 5% of the balance owed, plus 1% per month for up to 12 months.
Additional interest may apply. To avoid this:
File a Partial Return: Submit what you have by the deadline and amend later.
Request an Extension: While the CRA hasn’t extended the 2025 deadline, you can contact them to explain your situation.
Pay Estimated Taxes: If you can’t file, pay an estimated amount owed to reduce penalties.
For those expecting a refund, there’s no penalty for late filing, but delays mean waiting longer for your money.
Don’t Let CRA’s Glitch Derail Your Taxes
The CRA’s missing tax slips in 2025 are a frustrating hurdle, but they don’t have to derail your tax season.
By gathering physical slips, verifying income, and filing on time, you can avoid penalties and ensure accuracy.
Tax professionals, while stretched thin, are adapting to the challenge, and software providers like TurboTax are advocating for solutions.
As the CRA works to resolve the issue, stay proactive, monitor updates, and consider professional help if needed.
With the right approach, you can navigate this tax season successfully and avoid the stress of last-minute surprises.
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