The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is set to implement new office hours and service adjustments starting in 2025, aiming to improve access, streamline operations, and meet evolving taxpayer needs. Whether you’re filing returns, applying for benefits, or seeking tax advice, understanding the CRA office hours changes in 2025 is crucial to planning your visits, calls, or online interactions.
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Why Are CRA Office Hours Changing in 2025?
The CRA is adjusting its hours in response to:
- Changing taxpayer behavior, with more Canadians using digital services.
- Increasing demand for after-hours support during tax season.
- A commitment to improving accessibility for rural and underserved communities.
- Feedback collected through public consultations and service satisfaction surveys.
The CRA believes that realigning its hours and staffing will lead to:
- Reduced wait times,
- Better digital and phone support,
- And more consistent service across provinces and time zones.
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Overview of CRA Office Hours Changes in 2025
Starting March 2025, the CRA will implement new nationwide service hours that affect in-person offices, phone lines, and online live support.
New CRA General Office Hours (Effective March 1, 2025):
| Day | New Office Hours | Previous Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Tax Season Only) | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
Note: These are national averages. Individual Tax Services Offices (TSOs) may vary slightly by region.
CRA Phone Support & Call Centre Updates
To improve accessibility during peak filing periods, the CRA is also extending phone support hours, especially for:
- Personal Tax Inquiries
- Business Enquiries
- Benefit Programs (GST/HST, CCB, OAS, etc.)
New CRA Phone Hours (as of March 2025):
| Day | Phone Support Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tax Season) |
| Sunday | Closed |
During February through May, the CRA will deploy additional agents to reduce average hold times, which exceeded 25 minutes in some regions during the 2024 tax season.
What About Online Services?
CRA’s My Account, My Business Account, and Represent a Client portals remain available 24/7. However, live chat and digital assistant features will also see improvements:
- Live Chat for general inquiries will now operate:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM ET
- Tax Season Saturdays: 10 AM – 2 PM
Changes to Walk-in Tax Help and Community Clinics
For Canadians without digital access, the CRA will also expand:
- Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) availability,
- In-person appointment slots, and
- Mobile tax clinics in rural and northern communities.
These services will be more widely available in evenings and on select weekends from March to April 2025.
Impacts on Taxpayers and Businesses
Here’s how the CRA office hours changes in 2025 benefit Canadians:
- Extended weekday support for workers and parents.
- Evening help on Thursdays for in-person and phone services.
- Saturday options during tax season for last-minute filers.
- Reduced call center congestion during peak hours.
- Improved access in underserved areas with mobile clinics.
However, Canadians should plan ahead for:
- Earlier Friday closures,
- Limited Saturday availability outside of tax season, and
- Regional variations depending on office resources.
How to Stay Updated on CRA Office Hours
The CRA encourages Canadians to:
- Visit the CRA Office Locator to confirm local hours.
- Subscribe to CRA email notifications.
- Follow CRA’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts for timely updates.
Conclusion: Get Ready for More Accessible Service
The CRA office hours changes in 2025 are part of a broader strategy to modernize public service and meet the needs of today’s taxpayers. Whether you’re filing your taxes, applying for benefits, or speaking with a CRA agent, the expanded hours will give you more flexibility and better access—especially during busy times like tax season.