CRA’s Transition to Online Mail: What Businesses Need to Know
The CRA is transitioning to online mail for businesses, making it the default method for delivering most correspondence. This means businesses will receive notices, information requests, and other communications through their My Business Account portal instead of by traditional mail.
When is this effective?
As of May 12th, 2025, new businesses will receive all correspondence through their My business Account in the CRA Portal.
As of June 16th, 2025, all existing businesses will be changed to online mail unless you submit a request to have paper mail.
Does this apply to your business?
If you are a new business applying for a business number or registering for a CRA program account, you will receive all communication from the CRA online.
As of June 16, 2025, all existing businesses will have their correspondence default changed to online mail correspondence for all CRA program accounts.
What are the exceptions?
Although online mail is required for most businesses, there are certain exceptions. The CRA will still send paper mail to:
• Businesses not registered for My Business Account
• Businesses without an authorized representative
• Charites
• Non-resident business without a Canadian owner and does not have access to My Business Account through a representative.
How do I prepare for this change?
To ensure that the transition to online mail is completed efficiently the CRA recommends signing into your My Business Account and confirming that your email address on file is current.
How can I request paper mail?
To receive correspondence by paper mail, an owner, director, or legal representative must request activation. You can complete this request through your My Business Account or by completing form RC681 – Request to Activate Paper Mail for My business and mailing it to the CRA. Learn more about CRA’s announcement here.
If you submit form RC681 to activate paper mail between May 12 and June 16, 2025, you may still receive online correspondence until your request is processed. The CRA recommends monitoring your CRA account for new mail or registering for email notifications to stay informed.
Next Steps
Our London, Ontario corporate accounting firm is currently accepting new clients. If you would like more information on the services we offer, please visit our contact us page. You can also learn more about our services here and get to know our London, Ontario team here.
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