Canada Revenue Agency Advises Law Firms of Changes to Taxpayer Information Request Process

Why It Matters

Law firms must redesign their data‑gathering workflows, while taxpayers gain direct, secure access to their records, reflecting a broader push toward digital government services.

Key Takeaways

• CRA stops processing one‑time lawyer requests effective April 15, 2026
• Clients must retrieve tax info via CRA’s online portal
• Unactioned pre‑April 15 requests also redirected to self‑service
• Change enhances consent security and operational efficiency
• Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society urges firms to contact CRA directly

Pulse Analysis

The Canada Revenue Agency’s latest policy shift is the culmination of a year‑long migration toward online self‑service. After phasing out one‑time authorizations for injury lawyers in September 2025, the agency formally ended all lawyer‑initiated tax‑information requests on April 15, 2026. By requiring taxpayers to log into their CRA accounts for slips, notices of assessment and benefit statements, the government aims to centralize consent management and reduce manual handling errors. This digital overhaul aligns with Canada’s broader e‑government agenda, which seeks to streamline public‑sector interactions while cutting operational costs.

For legal practitioners, the new rule reshapes client onboarding and evidence‑gathering processes. Firms must now instruct clients to obtain their own records, either through the CRA portal or by contacting employers and financial institutions directly. While this adds a step for attorneys, it also mitigates the risk of unauthorized disclosures, as the taxpayer’s explicit consent is captured electronically. Law firms that quickly integrate portal‑access guidance into their intake procedures will maintain efficiency, whereas those that lag may face delays in litigation or settlement negotiations.

The move underscores a growing trend: tax authorities worldwide are leveraging digital platforms to improve data security and service speed. By eliminating paper‑based, lawyer‑mediated requests, the CRA reduces the attack surface for fraud and enhances audit trails. As more jurisdictions adopt similar self‑service models, the legal industry can expect a permanent shift toward client‑driven information retrieval, prompting investments in secure client portals and automated consent workflows. This evolution not only protects taxpayer privacy but also positions the CRA as a forward‑looking regulator in the digital age.