CRA to Default Business Correspondence to Online Mail – What You Need to Know
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The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is changing the way it communicates with businesses. Starting in May and June 2025, online mail will become the default method for most business correspondence from the CRA.
This means important notices, CRA review and audit letters, and tax updates will no longer arrive by Canada Post unless your business takes action to opt out.
Who Will Be Affected?
This mandatory transition applies to:
Businesses registering for a new business number or CRA program account;
Existing businesses already registered for My Business Account;
Businesses whose representatives have online access via Represent a Client.
Exceptions: Charities, non-resident businesses without CRA portal access, and businesses without either a CRA My Business Account or an authorized representative via Represent a Client will continue to receive paper mail unless they actively register for online delivery.
Why CRA Is Making This Change
The CRA's move to digital communication aligns with its commitment to:
Faster service: Receive notices instantly through your CRA portal.
Convenience: Access your business correspondence anytime (24 hours/day, 7 days/week).
Security: Encrypted delivery through CRA’s secure online portals.
Environmental responsibility: Reducing reliance on paper communication.
Important Transition Dates
May 12, 2025 (Phase 1):New business number and program account registrations will default to online mail. If you're incorporating federally or provincially, expect most CRA notices to be digital.
June 16, 2025 (Phase 2):CRA will extend this default to existing businesses already registered for My Business Account or Represent a Client access.
If you submit Form RC681 during this transition period to request paper mail, you may still temporarily receive online mail until your request is processed.
How to Access Business Correspondence Online
For business owners:
Sign in to My Business Account.
Click the Mail icon in your Business tile.
View, download, or print your correspondence.
How to Continue Receiving Paper Mail
If your business prefers to keep receiving physical mail, you must request it using one of the following methods:
Through My Business Account – Business owners or legal representatives can log in, go to the Profile section, and manage mailing preferences. Note: Accountants can not opt out of Online Mail for you using Represent a client.
By submitting Form RC681 – Businesses without online access can submit this form by mail. It must be signed by an individual with official authority (owner, director, officer). The CRA will reject the form if this person is not listed in their records signs.
Implication
Even if you don’t personally have My Business Account, your CRA mail will still be switched to online delivery if your authorized representative, such as Jenkyns Smith CPA LLP has digital access via Represent a Client.
However, it’s important to note that we do not receive notifications when new mail arrives in your CRA account. CRA does not alert representatives of incoming correspondence, and we do not monitor accounts for every single client proactively.
This means that critical CRA messages, such as audit notices or review requests, can go unseen, potentially resulting in reassessments or penalties. In some cases, missing a deadline can lead to irreversible consequences, including denied appeals.
Recommendation
To avoid missing important CRA notices, ensure your business email address is current in My Business Account. This enables timely notifications when new mail is posted by CRA. If your business prefers physical correspondence from CRA, act now by submitting Form RC681. Staying proactive is essential to maintaining compliance and avoiding unnecessary penalties.
For more information refer to the CRA website:
This blog has been prepared to provide general guidance and should not be considered specific advice. It may not address individual situations, and the information contained should not be used as a basis for action or inaction without seeking professional advice tailored to your circumstances. For personalized assistance, please contact Jenkyns Smith CPA's LLP.
