The Canadian tax-filing season officially starts today, with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) highlighting several new initiatives aimed at fostering a shift towards digital services. For the 2026 tax season, the CRA will not be mailing physical income tax packages to individuals, signifying a significant move to promote online filing and resources. As Canadians prepare to submit their taxes, this approach aims to streamline the process and reduce dependency on traditional paper resources.

Last year, the CRA faced an overwhelming volume of inquiries, receiving over 32 million calls during the tax season, peaking at nearly 300,000 calls on busy days. To alleviate some pressure on their customer service, the agency is encouraging taxpayers to utilize digital tools that promise to expedite the process and minimize wait times. Among these innovations is GenAI, a new chatbot that has been in testing since March 2025. Designed to assist users with instant access to CRA programs and services information, the chatbot operates 24/7, making help accessible at any time.

However, the digital initiative is not without its challenges; it faced criticism from Auditor General Karen Hogan, who raised concerns about the accuracy of responses provided by the chatbot. As the tax-filing deadline approaches, Canadians need to familiarize themselves with the new digital landscape to ensure a smooth filing process, while being mindful of the potential pitfalls of relying on technology for assistance.