This is a big black eye for the CRA, even if it ends up being only short-lived, given the space given to promoting of online filing in all the materials they distribute, and the exquisite, post-RRSP-deadline timing:

Online tax services suspended by CRA

OTTAWA, March 6 /CNW Telbec/ – Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Michel Dorais today instructed some computer applications related to personal income tax filing to be temporarily halted. These applications include online services like Efile, Netfile, and My Account. Mr. Dorais said that he instructed that this preventative measure be taken following indications that CRA computer systems have run into infrastructure problems. In order to safeguard existing systems and to maintain the integrity of CRA’s taxpayer information holdings, Mr Dorais ordered tax filing processes halted.

“There is no indication that this situation was caused by intrusion, hacking, or computer virus,” said Mr Dorais. “The security of taxpayer information remains paramount as we strive to understand and correct this situation. Until we can announce a business recovery date, the Agency will provide daily updates to the media on the steps we are taking.”

Agency personnel are fully engaged in resolving this problem and to restore online services. IT specialists are working to return the Agency’s personal income tax systems to full functionality as soon as possible. Business tax systems are not directly affected.

“I recognize that this problem may represent a significant inconvenience for Canadians who count on the Canada Revenue Agency for on-line information and service,” said Commissioner Dorais. Mr Dorais expressed his sincere regrets for any inconvenience that Canadians may experience as a result of this problem, and thanked Canadians for their understanding.