01/21/2026
Tax season is officially on the clock, with the CRA confirming it will start accepting 2025 tax returns on February 23, 2026. Canadians who file online and use direct deposit could see refunds arrive in as little as two weeks. The CRA is urging people to prepare now by logging into their CRA My Account, updating personal information, and making sure sign-in details still work.
Starting February, all users will also need a backup multi-factor authentication method to access their accounts. Paper filers should expect much longer waits, with processing times closer to eight weeks. For Toronto residents counting on a refund to offset high living costs, filing early could mean faster cash back.
