How to Contact the CRA in 2026: A Complete Guide
Your ultimate resource for reaching the Canada Revenue Agency for personal and business inquiries.
Contacting the CRA by Phone
Key CRA Phone Numbers
Individual Tax Enquiries: +1 800-959-8281
Business Enquiries: +1 800-959-5525
Benefit Enquiries: +1 800-387-1193
Reaching out to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, with the right information and a bit of preparation, you can navigate their phone system efficiently. The CRA has dedicated lines for different types of inquiries to help direct your call to the right department.
Before calling, it's a good idea to have all your necessary information on hand. This includes your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Business Number (BN), your full name and address, your date of birth, and a copy of your most recently assessed tax return. An agent will use this information to verify your identity.
CRA Call Centre Hours of Operation
The CRA has extended its call centre hours to provide better accessibility for all Canadians. The current hours for individual and business inquiries are Monday to Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Keep in mind that wait times can be long, especially during peak tax season. Calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays may result in shorter wait times.
Extended Hours
Longer service hours to accommodate different time zones across Canada.
Specialized Lines
Dedicated numbers for individual, business, and benefits inquiries for faster service.
Be Prepared
Have your SIN/BN and recent tax return ready to speed up the verification process.
Automated Services and Call-Back Feature
The CRA also offers several automated phone services that are available 24/7. These can be used to check the status of your tax refund, get a proof of income statement, or check your account balance without waiting to speak to an agent. If wait times are particularly long, the CRA may offer a call-back service for certain types of inquiries, allowing an agent to call you back when one becomes available.
| Inquiry Type | Primary Contact Number | Territories (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Tax Enquiries | 1-800-959-8281 | 1-866-426-1527 |
| Business Enquiries | 1-800-959-5525 | 1-866-841-1876 |
| Benefit Enquiries | 1-800-387-1193 | 1-866-426-1527 |
| Debt Management/Payment Arrangements | 1-888-863-8657 | Contact main line |
Contacting the CRA from Outside Canada
If you need to contact the CRA from outside of Canada and the U.S., you can call them collect. The CRA will accept the charges for these calls. The non-resident inquiries line for individuals is 1-613-940-8495.
Online CRA Contact Options
For many inquiries, the CRA's online services are the fastest and most convenient way to get the information you need. The "My Account" for individuals and "My Business Account" for businesses are secure portals that allow you to manage your tax affairs online.
Key Online Services
My Account for Individuals: View your notice of assessment, change your address, and track your refund.
My Business Account: File GST/HST returns, view account balances, and communicate with the CRA.
Online Chat: Chat with a live agent for certain inquiries through My Account.
Through these online portals, you can access a wide range of services without having to call the CRA. You can also submit documents electronically and receive correspondence from the CRA directly in your account. The CRA has also introduced an online chat service for certain topics, allowing you to have a real-time conversation with an agent through the My Account portal. This service is available for a variety of topics, including personal income tax, benefits, and My Account support.
CRA's Online Chatbot
The CRA website also features a chatbot that can answer general questions 24/7. While the chatbot cannot access your personal information, it can be a useful tool for finding information on the CRA website and getting answers to common tax questions.
Access Your CRA Account Online
Sign in to your CRA account to manage your taxes and benefits online.
Sign in to CRA My Account →Contacting the CRA by Mail
While online and phone contact are often the quickest methods, there are still situations where you may need to contact the CRA by mail. This is typically for sending documents or correspondence that cannot be submitted electronically.
The mailing address you need to use will depend on your location and the type of document you are sending. It is important to check the CRA's website for the correct mailing address for your specific tax centre. When sending mail to the CRA, always include your Social Insurance Number or Business Number on your documents and keep a copy for your own records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contacting the CRA
What is the best time to call the CRA?
To avoid long wait times, it is generally best to call the CRA during off-peak hours. This typically includes early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays. Mondays are often the busiest day, so you may have better luck calling later in the week.
Can I email the CRA?
The CRA does not use email for confidential or business-related inquiries due to security concerns. For secure communication, you should use the "My Message" service within your CRA My Account or My Business Account.
What information do I need to have ready before calling the CRA?
Before you call, make sure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Business Number (BN), your full name, date of birth, and complete address. You will also need your most recently assessed tax return to answer security questions.
Can I contact the CRA on behalf of someone else?
Yes, but you must be an authorized representative. The person you are calling on behalf of must either be on the call with you to provide their consent, or you must have a Form AUT-01, Authorize a Representative for Offline Access, on file with the CRA.
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