1. CRA to administer proposed trust reporting rule changes (Bill C‑15)

Status: Proposed / Administrative implementation
Effective: Applies to 2025 taxation year T3 filings

Summary
The CRA announced that it will administer proposed amendments to trust reporting requirements included in Bill C‑15. Updated T3 returns and the T4013 Trust Guide reflect these proposed rules. Taxpayers may file based on the currently enacted law, but CRA intends to apply the proposed administrative approach unless legislation changes.

Who is affected

• Express trusts and trustees filing T3 returns

• Professional trustees, family trusts, estate planners

• Tax advisors preparing 2025 trust filings

Recommendations

• Review trust ownership disclosure requirements early before the T3 filing season.

• Confirm whether bare trusts or small family trusts remain exempt under proposed rules.

• Advisors should monitor Bill C‑15 legislative progress before filing deadlines.

Sources

• CRA Tax Tip: Trust reporting updates (Mar 5, 2026)

• CRA updated T3 guides referenced in announcement

2. 2026 tax‑filing season officially underway

Status: Administrative (CRA operational update)
Effective date: Feb 23, 2026

Summary
The CRA confirmed that Canadians can begin filing 2025 income tax and benefit returns online as of Feb 23, 2026. Most individuals must file and pay taxes owing by April 30, 2026, while self‑employed individuals have until June 15, 2026 to file (with payment still due April 30).

Who is affected

• Individual taxpayers

• Self‑employed individuals and partnerships

• Advisors preparing personal returns

Recommendations

• Ensure all tax slips are received before filing to avoid amendments.

• Encourage clients expecting refunds or benefits to file early.

• Verify CRA My Account access and direct deposit before filing season peaks.

Sources

• CRA newsroom statement (Feb 23, 2026)

• CRA tax tip on filing readiness (Feb 16, 2026)

3. CRA SimpleFile service opening March 9, 2026

Status: Administrative (CRA service expansion)
Effective: March 9, 2026

Summary
CRA confirmed that SimpleFile digital filing services will open March 9, 2026, allowing eligible individuals to complete simplified returns electronically, even without an invitation in some cases. The service is intended to help low‑complexity taxpayers file quickly and access benefits faster.

Who is affected

• Low‑income or simple‑return taxpayers

• Individuals who previously relied on community volunteer tax clinics

• Advisors assisting low‑complexity filers

Recommendations

• Evaluate whether eligible clients can use SimpleFile for quick filings.

• Advisors should monitor the eligibility criteria and automation features to determine suitability for clients.

Sources

• Canada.ca personal tax filing page update

• CRA tax filing guidance materials

Deadlines to Watch (Next 60–90 Days)

Sources: CRA tax‑filing announcements and Finance Canada program releases.

Advisor’s Recommendations

1. Review trust reporting obligations now
The proposed Bill C‑15 trust reporting framework could affect filing requirements for many family trusts and estates. Early review avoids last‑minute compliance risks.

2. Prepare for peak tax season volume
Advisors should ensure client data, slips, and CRA access are organized early to avoid filing delays before the April deadline.

3. Watch for legislative developments
Monitor the progress of Bill C‑15 and other draft tax measures, as CRA is already administratively implementing some proposed changes.