The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has significantly shifted how it communicates with taxpayers. More notices, letters, and requests are now delivered digitally through secure online portals rather than by traditional mail. While this change improves efficiency and speeds up processing, it also means that important correspondence can be missed if accounts are not monitored regularly.
Ignoring CRA communications, even unintentionally, can lead to missed deadlines, reassessments, penalties, interest charges, or interruptions to benefits and credits. Staying informed and ensuring your accounts are properly managed has never been more important.
CRA digital mail is correspondence delivered through secure online portals such as My Account, My Business Account, or Represent a Client. When you are registered for online mail, the CRA may stop sending paper copies and instead post notices electronically.
Many taxpayers assume they will receive an email containing the full message. However, CRA email notifications only advise that mail is available — they do not include the content itself. If login credentials are forgotten, notifications go to an outdated email address, or accounts are not checked regularly, important messages can easily be overlooked.
CRA deadlines still apply even if a message is not opened. Ignoring digital correspondence may result in reassessments becoming final, collection actions, or lost opportunities to respond or appeal within the allowed timeframe.
Authorizing GBA through CRA’s Represent a Client service allows us to access your tax information directly and communicate with the CRA on your behalf. This ensures that important notices are not missed and that responses are handled promptly and accurately.
With authorization, we can review your filings, notices of assessment, balances, instalment requirements, and correspondence. We can also respond to CRA inquiries, submit documents, and resolve issues efficiently without delays caused by back-and-forth communication.
Professional oversight reduces the risk of missed deadlines, misunderstandings, or errors. It also provides peace of mind knowing that experienced advisors are monitoring your account and advocating for you when needed.
The CRA does not demand immediate payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or prepaid credit cards. It does not threaten arrest, deportation, or police involvement for unpaid taxes, and it does not request personal or financial information through aggressive or unsolicited phone calls, texts, or social media messages.
Common warning signs of scams include urgent payment demands, threats, requests for unusual payment methods, poor grammar or spelling, and caller ID spoofing that appears to show a CRA phone number.
If you receive suspicious communication, do not respond or click any links. Instead, verify the request by logging into your CRA account directly or contacting your CPA. Reporting suspected scams helps protect others as well.
As CRA communication becomes increasingly digital and tax matters grow more complex, professional guidance is essential. Working with a trusted CPA firm ensures that your accounts are monitored, deadlines are met, and risks are minimized. It also provides a reliable resource when questions or concerns arise.
If you have not yet authorized GBA to represent you with the CRA or would like assistance reviewing your online communication settings, our team is here to help. Proactive management today can prevent costly issues tomorrow.
Schedule a call today with one of our team members to discuss your accounting or tax needs – For More Details, Click Here.
This blog is not meant to provide specific advice or opinions regarding the topic(s) discussed above. Should you have a question about your specific situation, please discuss it with your GBA advisor.
GBA LLP is a full-service accounting firm in the Greater Toronto Area, but we primarily service all of Ontario as well as the rest of Canada virtually, except Quebec. Our team of over 30 provides audits and reviews of financial statements, compilations of financial information, and corporate tax returns. We provide specialized corporate tax and succession planning for small and medium businesses, in addition to general advisory services.
If you would like to schedule a call to discuss your accounting or tax needs with one of our team members, please complete the free, no-obligation meeting request on this page.
