How to contact the CRA without losing your mind.

Trying to get in touch with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can feel a bit like navigating a maze, especially when you’re already juggling a dozen other tasks. Whether you’re chasing down a remittance issue, checking the status of an objection, or just trying to update a business address, knowing where (and how) to reach the right person can save you hours of frustration. That’s why we’ve pulled together everything you need to know to make your next interaction a little less taxing.

In this post, you’ll find tips on how to prepare for a phone call with a CRA agent (including what info to have on hand), a breakdown of which numbers to call for different inquiries, and a general overview of what’s new with contacting the CRA in 2025.

In our fast-paced world, sometimes picking up the phone is the best way to ensure proper communication and get a problem resolved for our clients.

Although you may not have time for a friendly chat, our friends at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) do. Emails are a convenient way to communicate on a timely basis, but there are a few things you need to know when it comes to email and the CRA.

CRA business email notifications – what you need to know.

Starting May 12, 2025, most business correspondence from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will only be available online through My Business Account, unless you’ve opted to receive paper mail. You’ll get notified when you’ve received new CRA mail in your online account or when key changes are made to your account — like updates to your address, representatives, or direct deposit info. You can register up to three email addresses per account, allowing accountants or reps to stay informed. 

It’s important to note that email notices from CRA will not contain links or request personal details, helping protect you from scams. Learn more about CRA email notifications for businesses and how to protect yourself from fraud.

In the spirit of making things a little less taxing, I’m sharing my tips and top phone numbers to spend less time on hold and put more time back in your business.

Dos and don’ts when calling the CRA.

As they say, “A little preparation goes a long way.”

• Plan your call time during normal business hours and non-public holidays.

• Ensure that you have the authorization to speak to the CRA on behalf of your client.

You will also want to have all the following on hand: 

• Your client’s business information, including:

  • Business number (BN).

  • The full legal name of the business.

  • Telephone number.

  • Complete mailing address.

  • Inquiry details, such as the latest notice of assessment, return or other tax documents.

• Paper and pen to take notes or a note-taking device.

• A good cup of java!

Be respectful:

• CRA agents are quite nice and respectful. Be kind and courteous to our fellow public service employees.

Fact: CRA agents abide by a Taxpayer Bill of Rights that must be followed during every taxpayer interaction.

Pro tips:

• Use a speakerphone to ensure you can have your hands free to review files for questions asked by the CRA agent or log in to your client’s portals to confirm information.

• Save yourself some frustration. At the beginning of the call, inform the agent of a call back number they can reach you if for some reason you become disconnected.

• Request the agent ID number and record details of your conversation either on a note-taking device or on paper.

A list of key CRA contact numbers.

Although there are some spooky tax shenanigans that can happen, your chances of getting the culprit fixed depend on your attention to the telephone number you call.

Let’s review the telephone numbers for you to reach a perky CRA agent.

Got a GST/HST problem?

It’s best to be honest. The appeals process to have a CRA officer resolve your GST/HST objection can take anywhere from 124 days to over 500 days (as of January 2024) — it depends on the level of complexity of your GST/HST objection.

Checking the status of your objection

If you or your authorized representative have questions about an objection you’ve already filed and don’t have your appeals officer’s contact information, you can check the Progress Tracker available in My Account, My Business Account, or Represent a Client. You can also contact the CRA by phone:

Toll-free (within Canada): 1-800-959-5513

From outside Canada (collect calls accepted): 613-940-8563

How to disclose a mistake.

Oops — you made a mistake! You didn’t mean to. Don’t worry — CRA may be able to give you a second chance to correct your taxes.

The Voluntary Disclosure (VDP) works through an application process. Once your VDP is approved you will still need to pay the taxes owing, plus interest in part or in full. But you may be eligible for relief from prosecution and, in some cases, from penalties that you would otherwise be required to pay. In this case, it “saves” to be honest.

Who’s up for being more efficient?

Now I’m always down for a good chat. But sometimes, little things can be fixed without talking to a real live breathing human. For this, you can use the Represent a Client site to manage your clients. As a business owner, you also have access to a My Business Account site.

Still, need a little help? Then my tax paying friend can get in-person tax help from a CRA liaison officer. Don’t let that formal title scare you away. These liaison officers are available to you free of charge to help you understand your tax obligations with no tax consequences while ensuring 100% confidentiality.

Can you contact the CRA by standard mail?

Yes. You may mail most tax forms to a tax services office (TSO) or tax centre closest to you. T1 returns can only be mailed to the addresses specified here.

Save time and put it back in your business.

There are many reasons why you would need to contact the CRA — for example, filing taxes, disclosing a mistake, reporting spam, resolving GST/HST issues and having general tax and business inquiries. The issue? Sometimes it takes a while. The fix? Be prepared. Hopping on a phone call with a CRA agent is a great way to quickly resolve a problem, but it isn’t the only way to connect with them. Another option is contacting them via standard mail or you can visit a CRA agent in-person at the closest tax services office.

The advice we share on our blog is intended to be informational. It does not replace the expertise of accredited business professionals. Wagepoint assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document.