How to pay the CRA what I owe them?

Paying the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) what you owe can be done in several convenient ways. Here is a guide on how to make a payment to the CRA for any taxes owed:

1. Online Banking

Just like paying other bills, you can pay the CRA through your bank’s online banking service.

• Log in to your online banking.
• Add a Payee: Search for the CRA (Revenue Canada) option. There are different payees depending on what type of payment you are making (e.g., "CRA (Revenue) – Tax amount owing" for paying individual taxes).
• Use your account number: This is your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Complete the payment as you would for any other bill.

2. CRA My Payment

My Payment is a payment service provided by the CRA that allows individuals and businesses to make payments directly to the CRA online using their Visa Debit, Debit MasterCard, or Interac Online.

• Go to the CRA My Payment website.
• Follow the instructions to make a payment using your preferred method of online bank debit.

3. Pre-Authorized Debit

Establish a pre-authorized debit agreement using the CRA’s My Account online service, which allows the CRA to withdraw the amount you owe directly from your bank account on a date or dates you choose.

• Log in to My Account on the CRA website.
• Set up a payment plan through their Pre-Authorized Debit service under the "Payment and Refunds" section.

4. Third-Party Service Provider

You can use third-party service providers like PaySimply or Plastiq to pay using a credit card, PayPal, or other methods. These services may charge a fee for their use.

• Visit the websites (e.g., PaySimply or Plastiq).
• Choose the CRA payment option, and follow the prompts to complete your payment.

5. By Mail

You can send a cheque or money order to the CRA.

• Make the cheque payable to the Receiver General for Canada.
• Indicate on the back of the cheque your SIN and the tax year related to the payment.
• Mail it to the appropriate tax centre (you can find the addresses on the CRA website).

6. In Person

Payments to the CRA can also be made in person at any Canada Post outlet using cash or debit, though you must have a QR code to do so.

• Generate a QR code from the CRA website or My Account.
• Visit your nearest Canada Post location and present your QR code to pay by cash or debit. Note that a service fee applies.

Tips for Making Payments:

• Always double-check the accuracy of your personal information and the amount owed when making a payment.
• Keep receipts and confirmation numbers from transactions in case you need to verify the payment with the CRA later.
• Make payments before due dates to avoid penalties and interest.

By using any of these methods, you can ensure that your payment to the CRA is processed efficiently and securely.