The Canada Revenue Agency is the Canadian government body responsible for administering tax laws and regulations and ensuring compliance on behalf of the federal government. Communicating efficiently and effectively with the CRA can be critical if you are filing your taxes,
Looking for a refund or wanting to make a payment. Additionally, if you need to correct errors on your tax return or report changes in your personal or financial situation, communicating with the CRA is important to ensure that your tax obligations are being met and that you are receiving the correct benefits. Unfortunately, for many this task may feel daunting, especially if you are dealing with a complex issue. Below are a few best practices for CRA communication to receive the assistance you need.
The fastest and best ways to communicate with the CRA is through their online services, telephone, mail, or in-person appointments. CRA’s online services are convenient, accessible, and secure, allowing taxpayers to manage the majority of their tax filing and payments from the comfort of their homes without having to wait around for a customer service representative.
Through the My Account online portal, taxpayers should be able to view their tax information, update their personal information, and make any payments on their CRA debts. The My Business Account portal allows you to manage your business taxes, payroll, and any GST/HST accounts. Additionally, the CRA has a secure online messaging service called “My Message”. This gives you the ability to send and receive confidential information securely.
If you have a complicated issue or prefer to communicate with the CRA customer service representative over the phone, you can call the Canada Revenue Services’ toll-free number at 1-800-959-8281. This telephone service is available from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 9 pm local time. Make sure to have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and tax information ready before calling the CRA to help them serve you in the best way. It is important to note that wait times can be long. If phoning the CRA is your best option, it is best to call during off-peak hours.
If you need to send any documents or correspondence to the CRA, you can mail them to the address indicated on the CRA’s website. It is crucial to ensure that you have the correct address and sufficient postage to avoid delays or return to sender. You can also visit a CRA Tax Services Office or a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program clinic in your area for in-person assistance.
In some cases, you may need to speak directly with a CRA agent to resolve a tax issue. You can request a call back from the CRA by filling out an online form, and a CRA agent will call you back within two business days. Alternatively, you can schedule an in-person appointment with a CRA agent at a Taxation Services Office or make an appointment for a virtual interview.
Communicating with the CRA does not need to be intimidating, it is often necessary to ensure compliance with tax laws and resolve tax issues. LedgersOnline can make tax season easier by helping you understand your tax obligations and guiding any of your communications with the Canada Revenue Agency. Contact us today and get started.
