Canadians frustrated they can't access TFSA information on CRA account
Canadian taxpayers say they’re frustrated after being unable to access important information on their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account.
Jack, who asked that his full name be withheld, is an Ottawa resident who has been struggling to access information on his Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) online.
“For over a month now, 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 that he’s called the CRA repeatedly about his account, but hasn’t been able to reach anyone in the relevant department.
“I contacted my MP, but they were no help,” he continued. According to Jack, rather than answering his questions, the CRA told him to make a service complaint, which comes with a 50-business-day delay.
“Because they have so many complaints — their words,” he stated.
A widespread problem
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In April, a Reddit user shared that information about their TFSA had been unavailable on their CRA account for several weeks.
“I’m used to it not being up to date, but it’s been like, almost two weeks that it doesn’t display at all when I log into my CRA account,” they wrote. “There’s just a message that says ‘This service is not available at this time. Please try again later.’ Just curious if anyone else is seeing this, or is it just me?”
Commenters reported having the same experience.
“May 28 still down,” wrote one Redditor.
Another stated, “I tried calling, but when prompted for TFSA, you are sent to an automated message saying we apologize for the inconvenience and we’re working on the problem. I haven’t been successful at talking to an actual person. I’m going to try again today. This is ridiculous!”
Unable to access their information, commenters expressed concern about being penalized for contributing more than their TFSA limit. And taxpayers have a right to be concerned.
The CRA website states, “At any time in the year, if you contribute more than your available TFSA contribution room, you will have to pay a tax equal to one per cent of the highest excess TFSA amount in the month, for each month that the excess amount stays in your account.”
“There have been delays”
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In an email to Daily Hive, a CRA spokesperson said that information on TFSA contribution rooms in people’s accounts is updated when there is a change.
“This includes updates to the taxpayer’s TFSA contribution room on January 1 of each year to reflect the new annual TFSA limit, and adjustments to the TFSA contribution room once the financial institution’s TFSA annual information return has been processed by the CRA,” they stated.
However, they admitted there have been delays in updating people’s accounts.
“There have been delays in processing TFSA annual information returns this year,” they said. “To avoid displaying erroneous information on My Account, the display of TFSA information, including TFSA contribution room, has been blocked since April 17, 2025.”
The spokesperson stated that the CRA had shared a message online informing people that TFSA information and contribution limits are unavailable.
The message reads, “To avoid overcontributing, review the records provided by your issuer. We regret any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.”
According to the CRA’s website, Canadians are only informed if they overcontributed once the agency receives “all your TFSA records from your financial institutions.”
“It is therefore possible for your TFSA to include an excess amount for several months prior to receiving a notification from the CRA,” reads the website. “For this reason, it is important to keep and maintain your own records and to track your contributions closely. Any excess should be removed as soon as possible to minimize penalties.”
The CRA spokesperson advises taxpayers to use the RC343 Worksheet to help them calculate their contribution room for the year.
“It is each taxpayer’s responsibility to maintain their own records and to compare them against their financial institution’s records to ensure they do not go over their limit,” they stated. “We are currently working to update TFSA information in My Account as soon as possible. We regret the inconvenience and thank taxpayers for their patience.”
According to the Union of Taxation Employees, the CRA announced on May 1 that it wouldn’t be renewing contracts of over 1,000 term members working in Contact Centres across the country.
Daily Hive has sent a follow-up inquiry to the CRA, requesting a timeline for when Canadians can expect to see updates to their accounts and whether the delays are due to recent layoffs.
Jack said that it’s been impossible to get in touch with someone at the CRA who can answer his questions.
“Other associated sections feign ignorance — again, despite it being a widespread problem with potentially serious consequences if you overcontribute,” he said.
Are you experiencing problems with your CRA account? Let us know in the comments or email us at trending@dailyhive.com.