Form RC681 – Request to Activate Paper Mail for My Business
Form RC681 is used by businesses that want the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to send business correspondence by paper mail instead of the default online delivery through My Business Account. The form became part of the CRA's transition toward digital correspondence and allows eligible businesses to opt back into paper mail.
- Request paper mail from the CRA
- Alternative to online business correspondence
- Available for eligible businesses
- Must be signed by an authorized individual
- Generally renewed every two years
- Can also be requested through My Business Account
What is Form RC681?
Beginning in 2025, the CRA transitioned most businesses to online mail delivered through My Business Account. Businesses that prefer receiving paper correspondence can submit Form RC681, Request to Activate Paper Mail for My Business, or submit the request electronically through My Business Account.
📋 When should you use RC681?
| Situation | Paper Mail Needed? |
|---|---|
| Your business prefers printed CRA correspondence | ✔ Yes |
| You primarily use My Business Account | Optional |
| You recently registered a new CRA program account | A separate request may be required |
| Your organization has limited internet access | Often recommended |
| You rely on physical document filing procedures | Common reason for requesting paper mail |
📝 How to request paper mail
- Download Form RC681.
- Complete all required business information.
- Ensure the request is signed by someone with signing authority.
- Mail the completed form to your designated CRA Tax Centre.
- Alternatively, submit the request directly through My Business Account.
Until the CRA processes your request, business correspondence may continue to be delivered online. Continue monitoring your CRA account during this period.
👤 Who can sign the form?
- Business owner
- Corporate director
- Legal representative
- Person with delegated signing authority
Representatives with standard authorization levels generally cannot request paper mail unless they have the required signing authority.
📨 Understanding CRA online mail
Online mail allows businesses to receive notices, statements, letters and other correspondence inside My Business Account instead of through Canada Post. Businesses can view, print and download documents at any time and receive email notifications when new correspondence becomes available.
💼 Common situations
Small family business
The owner prefers maintaining paper files and requests paper correspondence using RC681.
Corporation with multiple directors
The company continues using online mail but enables email notifications for several finance staff.
Seasonal business
Paper mail provides an additional safeguard against missing important CRA notices during periods of reduced activity.
New CRA program account
After registering an additional payroll or GST/HST account, a separate paper mail request may be required if paper delivery is preferred.
⭐ Best practices
- Keep your business mailing address current.
- Renew your paper mail request before it expires.
- Continue checking My Business Account until your request is processed.
- Maintain an up-to-date email address even if you choose paper mail.
- Retain copies of all submitted forms.
⚠ Common issues
Paper mail request hasn't taken effect
Processing may take time. Continue monitoring My Business Account until the CRA confirms the change.
Returned mail
If paper correspondence cannot be delivered because your mailing address is outdated, the CRA may automatically return your account to online mail.
Paper mail stopped after two years
Paper mail requests generally must be renewed every two years to remain active.
Representative cannot submit RC681
Only individuals with the required signing authority can request paper mail for a business.
👨💻 Expert Insight from dir.md
Expert insight: Although RC681 allows businesses to continue receiving paper correspondence, relying exclusively on paper can increase the risk of delays caused by postal interruptions or address issues. For most organizations, the safest approach is to maintain access to My Business Account, enable CRA email notifications, and use paper mail only when internal compliance policies or operational requirements make printed correspondence necessary. Businesses should also remember that a paper mail request is not permanent and generally requires renewal every two years.
