On February 27, 2017, a CPA Canada blog (FAQs: T-slip turnaround for auto-fill my return) provided some questions and answers obtained from CRA to better understand the benefits and risks of using auto-fill my return. This information does not appear to be released on CRA’s website.

The questions address how quickly T-slips filed with CRA are reflected in the My Account, Represent a Client, and auto-fill my return services, with the following information provided:

• With 95% of slips being filed electronically, most slips are processed within 48 hours of receipt. Processing delays can occur for quality reasons, such as invalid account numbers, duplicate slips, and other errors.

paper filed slips are likely not processed before the personal tax deadline

• Paper-filed slips, less than 5%, have a general standard of 90 days to process. CRA prioritizes slips which have the greatest impact, such as T3, T4 and T5 slips.
• Amended slips vary in processing times. Electronically filed amended T3 and T5 slips are usually processed within 48 hours. The service standard for amended T4 slips filed electronically is 60 days. No standard was provided for paper-filed amended slips.

The blog noted that auto-fill my return is an excellent tool to assist with personal tax preparation, but should not replace professional judgment in ensuring complete, accurate tax return preparation.

Editors’ Comment
For further information on CRA electronic services for the personal tax season, see CPA Canada and CRA’s free 1-hour webinar, T1 e-service enhancements and e-modernization updates.