Any balance owing for the year must be paid by April 30 — even if you are self-employed and file by June 15. Interest starts the next day. Choose whichever method suits you.
1. Online banking (most common)
- In your bank's online banking, add the CRA as a payee. Search for "CRA" and choose the right one (names vary slightly between banks):
- CRA (revenue) – current year tax return — the balance on this year's return, before it is assessed;
- CRA (revenue) – tax amount owing — a balance on a notice of assessment, or from earlier years;
- CRA (revenue) – tax instalment — instalment payments.
- Your account number is your 9-digit Social Insurance Number.
- Enter the amount and pay. Allow 3 to 5 business days for the payment to reach the CRA, so pay a few days before the deadline.
2. Debit card through CRA My Payment
Pay online through the CRA's My Payment service, or from My Account, with a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard. Interac Debit cards have not been accepted since September 2024. Check your card's daily online limit before paying.
3. Pre-authorized debit
Set up a pre-authorized debit in My Account to pay a balance or instalments automatically from your bank account on the dates you choose.
4. Credit card, PayPal or Interac e-Transfer
The CRA does not take these directly, but you can pay through third-party service providers such as PaySimply (credit card, Interac e-Transfer or PayPal) or Plastiq (credit card). They charge a fee, and the payment takes a few business days to reach the CRA.
5. In person at Canada Post
Pay with cash or debit at any Canada Post outlet using a QR code — printed on some CRA payment forms, or generated online. A service fee applies. Keep the QR code private: it contains your name and SIN.
Paying from outside Canada
If you don't have a Canadian bank account, contact us for the current options, such as an international wire transfer.
Keep your confirmation number, and check in My Account a few days later that the payment has been applied.