๐ฌ CRA Online Mail for Business โ Complete Guide
Online Mail for Business is the Canada Revenue Agency's electronic correspondence service for businesses. Most CRA notices, letters, statements and other business correspondence are now delivered through My Business Account instead of traditional paper mail.
The transition to online delivery began in May 2025 and now applies to most businesses unless they have successfully requested paper correspondence. It is part of the CRA's effort to provide faster, more secure and environmentally friendly communication.
โก Key Features
- ๐ฌ Most CRA business mail is delivered online.
- โก Faster than traditional postal mail.
- ๐ Protected through CRA secure login.
- ๐ฅ Notices can be viewed, downloaded and printed.
- ๐ง Optional email notifications.
- ๐ Available almost any time through My Business Account.
๐ค Who Does Online Mail Apply To?
- ๐ข Newly registered businesses.
- ๐ผ Existing businesses using My Business Account.
- ๐ฅ Businesses that have authorized representatives using Represent a Client.
- ๐๏ธ Most CRA business program accounts.
Some correspondence that cannot be delivered electronically continues to be sent by regular mail.
๐จ What Can You Receive?
- ๐ Notices of Assessment.
- ๐ Notices of Reassessment.
- ๐ฐ GST/HST correspondence.
- ๐ฅ Payroll statements.
- ๐ Account statements.
- ๐ฌ Most CRA letters and notices.
- ๐ Supporting documents.
Paper delivery is still used for certain documents that cannot currently be provided electronically.
๐ป How to View Your Mail
- ๐ Sign in to your CRA Account.
- ๐ข Open My Business Account.
- ๐ฌ Select Mail under Correspondence.
- ๐ Open, download or print your documents.
Authorized representatives follow the same process through Represent a Client after selecting the appropriate Business Number.
๐ง Email Notifications
CRA strongly recommends enabling email notifications so you know immediately when new correspondence becomes available.
- ๐ฌ Notification when new mail arrives.
- โ๏ธ Alerts about important account changes.
- ๐ง Up to three email addresses can be registered for each program account.
- ๐ฅ Notifications may also be sent to an accountant or authorized representative.
Notifications never include confidential tax informationโthey simply advise you to sign in securely to your CRA account.
๐ฎ Can You Continue Receiving Paper Mail?
Yes. Businesses may request paper correspondence instead of online mail.
- ๐ Submit the request through My Business Account or Form RC681.
- ๐ค The request must be made by a person with signing authority.
- ๐ Paper mail requests must generally be renewed every two years.
- ๐ฌ A separate request may be required for newly opened CRA program accounts.
If mail sent to your registered address is returned to the CRA, your account may automatically revert to online mail.
๐ Security
Business correspondence is available only after secure authentication through CRA Account.
- ๐ Multi-factor authentication.
- ๐ฆ Sign-In Partner or CRA User ID.
- ๐ฑ Backup authentication methods.
- ๐ก๏ธ Secure encrypted communication.
๐ก Tips
- ๐ง Enable email notifications immediately.
- ๐ Check your online mail regularly.
- ๐ Download important notices for your records.
- ๐ฅ Give accountants access through Represent a Client instead of sharing passwords.
- ๐ข Keep your business address and contact information up to date.
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes
- โ Assuming CRA still sends every notice by post.
- โ Forgetting to register an email address.
- โ Ignoring notification emails.
- โ Sharing CRA login credentials with employees.
- โ Missing deadlines because online correspondence wasn't checked.
๐ฌ Frequently Asked Questions
Is online mail mandatory?
For most businesses, yes. Online delivery is now the default unless paper mail has been requested and approved.
Do CRA notification emails contain tax information?
No. They only notify you that new correspondence is available in your secure CRA account.
Can my accountant read my business mail?
Yes. If you authorize them through Represent a Client, they can access your correspondence online.
๐ก dir.md Tip
โ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is CRA Online Mail for Business?
It is the CRA's secure electronic correspondence service that delivers most business notices, letters and statements through My Business Account instead of paper mail.
Can I switch back to paper mail?
Yes. Eligible businesses may request paper correspondence through My Business Account or by submitting Form RC681.
How will I know when new mail arrives?
CRA sends email notifications if you register one or more email addresses in your notification preferences.
