Citizens Say CRA Silence Is Unacceptable
Canadian taxpayers are expressing growing anger and confusion after weeks of being unable to access critical Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) data through their online Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) accounts. Many say the lack of communication from the CRA has only made matters worse.
Jack, an Ottawa resident who asked not to share his last name, says he hasn’t been able to view his TFSA information online for over a month.
“CRA has denied access to TFSA data to all Canadian taxpayers,” he wrote in an email. “They do not state why or when the data access will be restored.”
Jack said he has made numerous calls to CRA’s helpline, hoping for answers, but has had no luck speaking with someone who can provide help.
“I contacted my MP, but they were no help,” he added. “CRA just told me to make a service complaint — but that takes 50 business days, because of how many complaints they’re already dealing with.”
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TFSA Access Issues Spread Nationwide
Reddit Posts Reveal Widespread Problem
The issue doesn’t appear to be isolated. As far back as April, a Reddit user posted that they couldn’t access their TFSA details in their CRA account, a post that drew in dozens of users reporting the same problem.
“It’s been almost two weeks that it doesn’t display at all,” one user wrote. “Just a message saying, ‘This service is not available at this time. Please try again later.’”
Another user echoed the experience:
“May 28 — still down.”
Multiple commenters said they’ve tried calling CRA, but are only met with automated messages offering apologies, not solutions.
“I haven’t been successful at talking to an actual person,” one wrote. “This is ridiculous.”
Canadians Worry About Potential TFSA Over-Contributions
The inability to see TFSA contribution room has sparked concern among Canadians, particularly about the risk of overcontributing — something that can trigger monthly financial penalties.
According to the CRA, if you exceed your TFSA contribution limit, you will be charged a tax equal to 1% of the highest excess amount for each month it remains in your account.
That risk is precisely why taxpayers like Jack are demanding answers.
“It’s a widespread problem with potentially serious consequences,” he said. “Yet when you call, no one takes responsibility. Other departments act like they’ve never heard of it.”
CRA Admits to Delays, Blocks Data to “Avoid Errors”
In an email statement, a CRA spokesperson acknowledged the issue, attributing it to delays in processing TFSA annual information returns from financial institutions.
“To avoid displaying erroneous information,” the CRA wrote, “the display of TFSA information, including contribution room, has been blocked since April 17, 2025.”
CRA has posted a message on its website urging taxpayers to consult records from their financial institution to avoid overcontributing. However, many feel this advice shifts too much responsibility onto the taxpayer.
The agency maintains that Canadians are only officially notified about TFSA overcontributions once all financial institution data is received — which can take months.
“It is important to keep and maintain your own records,” the CRA advises, recommending the RC343 Worksheet for manual tracking.
Staffing Cuts May Be Worsening Delays
The Union of Taxation Employees confirmed that as of May 1, the CRA chose not to renew contracts for more than 1,000 temporary staff working at contact centres across the country.
This downsizing raises further questions about the CRA’s capacity to handle the current backlog or respond to service issues in a timely manner.
A follow-up inquiry has been sent to the CRA, asking for a specific timeline for when TFSA access will be restored and whether staffing reductions are contributing to the delay. As of publication, no response has been received.
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In Summary: Canadians Demand Answers and Transparency
With no clear timeline for resolution, thousands of taxpayers remain in the dark about their TFSA balances, facing the risk of financial penalties and continued bureaucratic runaround.
For Jack and many others, the situation has become more than just an inconvenience.
“This isn’t a small glitch,” he said. “This affects financial decisions — and yet no one at CRA is taking accountability.”
Until the CRA restores full account access and improves communication, frustration among Canadian taxpayers is likely to keep growing.