💵 How to Make a Payment to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

If you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)—for example for personal income tax (T1), instalments, benefits overpayments or other amounts—you have several ways to make a payment. Each method has its own requirements and processing times.

Official source: Make a Payment – Payments to the CRA (Canada.ca)

📱 Online Payment Options

Online Banking

You can pay the CRA directly from your Canadian bank or credit union online banking or mobile app by adding the CRA as a bill payee and choosing the appropriate account (e.g., personal tax, instalments, benefits). Payments are withdrawn directly from your bank account.

CRA’s “My Payment” Service

Use the CRA’s secure online “My Payment” service to make one‑time payments using a **debit card** (Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard). This service is free and is available without a CRA user account. Credit cards are not accepted directly through this service.

Note: Some banks have removed Interac online debit support, so availability depends on your financial institution.

Pre‑authorized Debit (PAD)

You can schedule future payments or recurring instalments using **pre‑authorized debit (PAD)** through your CRA My Account or My Business Account. Payments must be scheduled at least 5 business days before the withdrawal date.

🏦 In‑Person and Mail Payments

At a Bank or Credit Union

Visit a bank, caisse populaire or credit union teller in Canada to make a payment. You will usually need a personalized **remittance voucher** from the CRA to ensure your payment is applied correctly.

Mail a Cheque or Money Order

You can mail a cheque or money order payable to Receiver General for Canada along with a remittance voucher or your CRA account details. Provide your SIN or relevant account number so the CRA can apply the payment correctly.

Mail to:
Canada Revenue Agency PO Box 3800 STN A Sudbury ON P3A 0C3

Canada Post Locations

At select Canada Post retail outlets, you can pay with cash or debit card using a **custom payment QR code** from the CRA. Service fees apply.

💳 Third‑Party and Other Methods

Several third‑party providers accept credit card and online transfer payments on behalf of the CRA (e.g., PaySimply or others). These services charge fees and are not endorsed by the CRA.

Wire transfers through banks or credit unions are also possible for larger or international payments, but you may need remittance details specified by the CRA.

📅 Things to Know Before You Pay

  • 📆 Tax‑due dates matter — for personal income tax, final balances are typically due by April 30 of the following year.
  • 💡 Payments over $10,000 must generally be made electronically (not by cash or mail) according to CRA rules.
  • ⏱ CRA considers a payment made on the date it is received, not when it is sent; processing times vary by method (banking vs mail).
  • 📁 Always include your SIN or account number in payment instructions to avoid delays.

📌 What to Do if You Can’t Pay

If you cannot pay the full amount owing, you can contact the CRA to arrange a **payment plan** or set up PAD instalments. It’s best to communicate early to avoid penalties and interest.

❗ Payment Methods the CRA Does NOT Accept

  • Cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin)
  • Gift cards
  • Traveller’s cheques
  • Non‑Canadian currency in mail payments

These restrictions ensure secure and traceable payments to the CRA.

Source: Canada Revenue Agency – Make a Payment to the CRA guidance and payment options.