Paying your tax to the Canada Revenue Agency, also known as CRA, is an important part of staying compliant in Canada. Whether you need to pay personal income tax, corporate tax, GST/HST, payroll deductions, instalments, or a CRA balance owing, choosing the right payment method can help you avoid late payment interest, processing delays, and unnecessary stress.
In this guide, we explain the main ways to pay CRA tax in Canada, including online banking, CRA My Payment, pre-authorized debit, Canada Post, bank payments, third-party credit card payments, wire transfers, and cheque payments. We also cover processing times, deadlines, payment mistakes to avoid, and the best payment method for different situations.
The best CRA payment method depends on whether you have a Canadian bank account, need same-day payment, want to schedule future payments, prefer to pay in person, or are paying from outside Canada. For most individuals and businesses, online banking, CRA My Payment, or pre-authorized debit are the easiest options.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Way to Pay CRA Tax?
For most Canadians, the easiest way to pay CRA tax is through online banking by adding CRA as a bill payee. It is simple, secure, and available through most Canadian banks and credit unions.
If you want to pay directly through CRA’s website, you can use CRA My Payment, but only with an eligible debit card. CRA does not accept credit cards directly through My Payment. If you want to use a credit card, you must use a third-party service provider, and service fees usually apply.
For scheduled payments, CRA’s pre-authorized debit option is useful because you can set one or more future payments through CRA online services. CRA says PAD payments must be scheduled at least five business days before the first withdrawal.
Overview of CRA Payment Options in 2026
The CRA provides several ways to make tax payments. Some are faster and more convenient, while others are better for people who want to pay in person, use cash, schedule payments, or pay from outside Canada.
| CRA Payment Method | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online banking | Most individuals and businesses | Add CRA as a bill payee through your bank |
| CRA My Payment | One-time debit card payments | Credit cards are not accepted directly |
| Pre-authorized debit | Scheduled future payments | Must be set up at least 5 business days before the first withdrawal |
| Bank or credit union teller | In-person bank payments | A remittance voucher may be required |
| ATM | Bank account payments through ATM | CRA payee may need to be added first |
| Canada Post | Cash or debit card payments | QR code required and service fees apply |
| Third-party provider | Credit card or Interac e-Transfer payments | Provider fees apply |
| Wire transfer | Non-residents or international payments | Usually used when paying from outside Canada |
| Cheque by mail | Last-resort option | Slower processing time |
CRA’s payment page also states that it does not accept cryptocurrency, gift cards, traveller’s cheques, cash by mail, or foreign funds.
1. Pay CRA Through Online Banking
Online banking is one of the easiest ways to pay CRA tax. You can sign in to your bank or credit union account, add the CRA as a bill payee, and make a payment just like you would pay a regular bill.
You can usually use online banking to pay:
- Personal income tax balance owing
- Personal tax instalments
- Corporate income tax
- GST/HST remittances
- Payroll source deductions
- Benefits and credit repayments
- Other CRA balances linked to your account
How to Pay CRA Through Online Banking
- Sign in to your bank’s online banking or mobile banking app.
- Go to the bill payment section.
- Search for CRA or Canada Revenue Agency as a payee.
- Choose the correct payment type, such as amount owing, tax instalment, corporate tax, payroll, or GST/HST.
- Enter your account number. Individuals usually use their SIN. Businesses usually use their business number and program account.
- Enter the amount and payment date.
- Keep the confirmation number for your records.
Best For
Online banking is best for people who already have a Canadian bank account and want a simple way to pay CRA without visiting a branch.
2. Pay CRA Using My Payment
CRA My Payment is an online service that lets you make a one-time payment directly to CRA using an eligible debit card.
CRA clearly states that credit cards cannot be used with My Payment. My Payment requires an activated debit card with a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard logo. CRA also says Interac Debit cards are no longer accepted through My Payment as of September 10, 2024.
What You Can Pay With My Payment
You can use My Payment for many CRA balances, including:
- Personal income tax
- Tax instalments
- Corporate income tax
- GST/HST remittances
- Payroll source deductions
- Some benefit and credit repayments
- Underused Housing Tax
- Trust income tax
Processing Time
CRA says My Payment is usually considered paid the same business day. Payments made after 10:00 p.m. local time, on weekends, or on a statutory holiday may be dated the next business day. CRA also says the payment can take up to three business days to appear in your CRA account.
Best For
My Payment is best when you want to pay directly through CRA’s website using an eligible debit card.
3. Schedule CRA Payments With Pre-Authorized Debit
Pre-authorized debit, also called PAD, allows CRA to withdraw a set amount from your chequing account on a scheduled date. This is useful if you want to set up future payments, instalments, or payment arrangements.
CRA says you can schedule one or more future payments through CRA’s secure online services by creating a PAD agreement. The first payment must be scheduled at least five business days before the withdrawal date.
How to Set Up PAD
- Sign in to CRA My Account, My Business Account, or Represent a Client.
- Choose the payment or pre-authorized debit option.
- Select the tax account or program account you want to pay.
- Enter your banking details.
- Choose the payment amount and date.
- Review and confirm the agreement.
Best For
PAD is best for taxpayers who want to avoid missing future CRA deadlines. It is especially useful for tax instalments, corporate instalments, GST/HST payments, and payroll-related payments.
4. Pay CRA at a Bank or Credit Union
You can make CRA payments in person at a Canadian bank or credit union. CRA says payments can be made at any bank or credit union in Canada, but you will need a remittance voucher.
How to Pay at a Bank or Credit Union
- Bring your CRA remittance voucher.
- Tell the teller which CRA payment you want to make.
- Pay from your bank account or using the payment options allowed by your financial institution.
- Keep the receipt until the payment appears in your CRA account.
Important Note
If you are paying in person or by mail, CRA remittance vouchers are important because they help CRA apply the payment to the correct account. CRA also says financial institutions will not accept photocopied remittance vouchers.
5. Pay CRA Through an ATM
Some banks and credit unions allow CRA payments through ATMs. Before paying at an ATM, you may need to add CRA as a payee through online banking or telephone banking. CRA says ATM options depend on your bank or credit union.
Best For
ATM payments may work if you prefer using your debit card at a bank machine. However, online banking is usually easier because you can check the payee details carefully before sending the payment.
6. Pay CRA at Canada Post
You can pay CRA at a Canada Post retail location using cash or debit card. This option is useful for people who do not want to use online banking or do not have easy access to digital payment options.
Before paying at Canada Post, CRA says you must have a customized QR code so the payment can be applied correctly. CRA also says service fees are charged at Canada Post.
How to Pay CRA at Canada Post
- Generate a CRA payment QR code through CRA’s online services or an approved payment provider.
- Visit a Canada Post retail location.
- Show the QR code on your phone or as a printed copy.
- Pay using cash or debit card.
- Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
Best For
Canada Post is best if you want to pay with cash or debit card in person., Canada Post may be the most accessible option. Generate your QR code at home before visiting.
7. Pay CRA by Credit Card or Interac e-Transfer Through a Third-Party Provider
CRA does not accept credit card payments directly. However, some third-party service providers can accept a payment and send it to CRA on your behalf. CRA lists third-party credit card providers such as PaySimply and Plastiq, but it also says service fees are charged by the provider and CRA does not endorse these companies.
Some third-party providers may also accept Interac e-Transfer or other payment methods. CRA notes that not every provider accepts the same payment types or CRA payment categories.
Best For
This option may be useful if you want to pay by credit card for cash flow reasons. However, you should check the provider’s fees and processing time before using this method.
Important Warning
You are still responsible for making sure CRA receives the payment on time. If the third-party provider takes a few business days to send the payment to CRA, you should not wait until the deadline day.
8. Pay CRA by Wire Transfer
Wire transfer is usually used by taxpayers who are outside Canada or do not have access to a Canadian bank account. CRA says banks and credit unions may be able to wire transfer a payment to CRA, but available options depend on the financial institution. You may also need a remittance voucher.
Best For
Wire transfer is best for non-residents, international taxpayers, and businesses paying from outside Canada.
Important Note
Make sure the payment is sent in Canadian dollars and that all account details are correct. If your bank deducts charges from the transfer amount, CRA may receive less than what you owe.
9. Pay CRA by Cheque Through Mail
You can still pay CRA by mailing a cheque, but this is usually the slowest option. CRA says you can send a cheque or a series of post-dated cheques in Canadian funds drawn on a Canadian bank or credit union. CRA also recommends including a remittance voucher.
How to Pay by Cheque
- Make the cheque payable to the Receiver General for Canada.
- Include your SIN, business number, or CRA account number.
- Include a remittance voucher if available.
- Mail it early to allow enough delivery and processing time.
- Keep a copy or proof of mailing for your records.
Best For
Cheque payment should only be used if online or in-person payment options are not available. Electronic methods are usually faster and easier to track.
Which CRA Payment Method Should You Choose?
| Situation | Best Payment Method |
|---|---|
| You have a Canadian bank account | Online banking |
| You want to pay directly through CRA | CRA My Payment |
| You want to schedule future payments | Pre-authorized debit |
| You want to pay by cash | Canada Post |
| You want in-person help | Bank or credit union teller |
| You want to use a credit card | Third-party provider |
| You are outside Canada | Wire transfer |
| You cannot use electronic options | Cheque by mail |
For most taxpayers, online banking is the easiest option. For business owners who make regular GST/HST, payroll, corporate tax, or instalment payments, PAD can be a better choice because it helps avoid missed deadlines.
CRA Tax Payment Deadlines in Canada for 2026
CRA tax deadlines depend on the type of taxpayer and the type of payment.
| Taxpayer or Payment Type | 2026 Deadline |
|---|---|
| Most individuals filing 2025 tax return | April 30, 2026 |
| Payment deadline for most 2025 personal taxes | April 30, 2026 |
| Self-employed individuals filing 2025 tax return | June 15, 2026 |
| Self-employed balance owing | April 30, 2026 |
| 2026 personal tax instalments | March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15 |
| Corporation T2 return | Six months after tax year-end |
| Corporate balance due | Usually two months after year-end, or three months for some eligible CCPCs |
| GST/HST monthly or quarterly filers | Usually one month after the reporting period |
| GST/HST annual filers | Usually three months after fiscal year-end |
CRA lists April 30, 2026 as the deadline to file and pay 2025 taxes for most individuals. CRA also lists June 15, 2026 as the filing deadline for self-employed individuals, but the payment deadline for balances owing remains April 30, 2026.
For corporations, CRA says the T2 return must be filed within six months of the tax year-end. Corporate balances are generally due two months after year-end, or three months for some Canadian-controlled private corporations that meet the required conditions.
How to Confirm CRA Received Your Payment
After making a payment, sign in to your CRA account and check whether the payment has been posted. Most electronic payments can take a few business days to appear.
CRA says My Payment can take up to three business days to update in your CRA account after the payment is received. CRA also says if a payment is still not showing after five business days, you can resolve a payment issue through CRA’s payment support process.
Keep your confirmation number, bank receipt, Canada Post receipt, or cheque proof until the payment appears in your CRA account.
What Payment Methods Does CRA Not Accept?
To avoid scams and payment mistakes, remember that CRA does not accept every payment method.
CRA says it does not accept:
- Cryptocurrency
- Gift cards
- Traveller’s cheques
- Cash by mail
- Foreign funds
Cash can only be used at a Canada Post retail location, and CRA does not accept non-Canadian currencies. If someone asks you to pay CRA using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or unusual payment methods, it is likely a scam.
What Happens If You Pay CRA Late?
If you do not pay CRA on time, interest can apply to the unpaid amount. CRA’s prescribed interest rates are updated quarterly. For the third calendar quarter of 2026, CRA announced that the interest rate charged on overdue taxes, CPP contributions, and EI premiums will be 7%. This rate applies from July 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026.
Late payment interest can add up, so it is better to pay as much as you can by the deadline, even if you cannot pay the full amount.
Common CRA Payment Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes when paying CRA:
- Choosing the wrong CRA payee in online banking
- Entering the wrong SIN or business number
- Paying personal tax instead of corporate tax
- Paying GST/HST to the wrong program account
- Waiting until the deadline day when using third-party providers
- Forgetting that self-employed tax payments are still due by April 30
- Mailing a cheque too close to the deadline
- Not keeping payment confirmation
- Assuming a payment is complete before checking CRA My Account or My Business Account
Small mistakes can delay payment posting and may lead to unnecessary interest or CRA follow-up.
Final Thoughts
Paying CRA tax in Canada is easier when you choose the right payment method. For most individuals and businesses, online banking is the simplest option. CRA My Payment is useful for debit card payments, while pre-authorized debit is helpful for scheduled payments and instalments.
If you want to pay by credit card, you must use a third-party provider and check the fees carefully. If you want to pay with cash or debit in person, Canada Post can be an option, but a QR code and service fee are required.
The most important thing is to pay on time, use the correct CRA account number, and keep your confirmation receipt. If you are unsure which payment type applies to your situation, Bestax Accountants can help you understand your CRA balance, payment deadlines, and tax filing requirements.
Quick FAQs
What is the easiest way to pay CRA tax in Canada?
For most people, the easiest way to pay CRA tax is through online banking. You can add CRA as a bill payee and pay your tax like a regular bill.
Can I pay CRA with a credit card?
CRA does not accept credit cards directly through My Payment. You can only pay by credit card through third-party service providers, and service fees usually apply.
Can I pay CRA with a debit card?
Yes. You can use CRA My Payment with an eligible Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard. CRA says Interac Debit is no longer accepted through My Payment as of September 10, 2024.
How long does CRA payment take to show?
CRA says My Payment can take up to three business days to appear in your CRA account after the payment is received. Other payment methods can also take a few business days depending on the bank or provider.
When is the 2026 personal tax payment deadline in Canada?
For most individuals, the payment deadline for 2025 taxes is April 30, 2026. Self-employed individuals may have until June 15, 2026 to file, but their balance owing is still due by April 30, 2026.
Can I pay CRA by cheque?
Yes. CRA accepts cheques by mail in Canadian funds from a Canadian bank or credit union. However, this is slower than electronic payment methods.
Does CRA accept cryptocurrency or gift cards?
No. CRA says it does not accept cryptocurrency, gift cards, traveller’s cheques, cash by mail, or foreign funds.
What should I do if I paid CRA but it is not showing?
Check your CRA account after a few business days and keep your payment confirmation. CRA says if a My Payment transaction is still not showing after five business days, you can use CRA’s process to resolve a payment issue.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
