Understanding the CRA Strike 2023: Exploring Your Options

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) went on a major strike in 2023, resulting in disruption in services and notable delays in tax return processing. This extensive strike affects millions of Canadians across the country, causing a lot of concern and confusion. This article will shed some light on this issue and provide you with various pathways to navigate through this strike, from utilising the CRA website and mobile app to contacting the call centre.

Understanding the CRA Strike 2023

The CRA strike comes after a breakdown in negotiations between the government and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, the union that represents CRA employees. The dispute revolves around wage increases, work-life balance, and job security. While the impact of this strike is vast-reaching, Canadians can still access services and handle their tax matters efficiently through various means.

Option 1: The CRA Website

Your first option to navigate the CRA strike is to use the official CRA website. It holds a wealth of information and online tools that makes managing your tax affairs possible even with the ongoing strike. Here are some services available on the CRA website:

• My Account for Individuals: This is your personal account, where you can track your refund, view or change your tax return, check your benefit and credit payments and view your RRSP and TFSA limits.
• My Business Account: This essential tool for business owners allows you to manage your GST/HST, payroll, corporation income taxes, and more.
• Represent a Client: If you’re a tax preparer representing clients, this feature will be your hub for managing your clients’ tax files.

Option 2: The CRA Mobile App

If you prefer handling matters on the go, the CRA’s mobile app is a viable option. Available for both iOS and Android, the CRA Mobile App offers convenience and functionality. While some might feel unsure about managing sensitive information through a mobile app, rest assured that the CRA has seriously invested in the security of their digital platforms.

• MyCRA: This is the mobile web app. Once you’ve registered a My Account, you can access many of the same features from your handheld device.
• MyBenefits CRA: This mobile app gives you secure access to view, manage, and update your personal benefit information.
• Business Tax Reminders: This mobile app allows business users to create custom reminders and alerts for key CRA due dates related to instalment payments, returns and remittances.

Option 3: CRA Call Centre

If you favour a more personal approach or have specific questions you can’t find answers to online, try the CRA Call Centre. Due to the strike, wait times may be longer than usual, but this service can be incredibly helpful. It would also be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the automated services that are accessible 24/7. Below are some of the services offered:

• Individual Tax Enquiries: For particular enquiries related to your personal taxes, this helpline operates between set business hours.
• Business Enquiries: If you’re a business owner, you can call this number for business-specific questions.
• Debt Management Call Center: If you need to arrange a payment plan for outstanding tax debts, this will be your best point of call.

Despite the CRA strike of 2023, Canadians have several options to manage their tax affairs effectively. Whether you prefer the traditional call centre method or navigating digital platforms, the CRA provides adequate resources to ensure minimal disruption to your tax matters during this turbulent period. Rest assured that things are still within control.

Conclusion

Navigating tax affairs during a strike can be daunting. However, with careful planning and appropriate utilization of the resources offered by CRA such as the website, mobile app, and call centre, you can efficiently manage your tax affairs amidst the service disruption. Stay informed and proactive to overcome this challenging period.