How to Pay CRA Tax in Canada

Paying tax to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is an annual ritual for Canadians and anyone with Canadian tax obligations. Failing to settle your bill on time can trigger interest, penalties or even legal actions. To help you navigate the process smoothly, this long‑form guide explains how to pay CRA tax through all available channels. 

Whether you live in a major city like Toronto or Vancouver, a remote northern community or even outside Canada, there’s a payment method that suits your situation. Let’s find out which one is for you.

Overview of CRA Payment Options

The CRA accepts multiple payment methods, each with different processing times, fees and convenience levels. According to the agency’s main Make a payment page, the accepted categories include direct withdrawals, debit card, credit card via third‑party, cheque, money transfer platforms, wire transfer and cash. The following sections explore each option in detail.

Online Banking: Pay CRA Tax Like a Bill

Online banking is one of the most convenient ways to pay taxes. Most Canadian banks and credit unions allow you to add the CRA as a payee on their website or mobile app. You can make a one‑time payment or schedule payments for future dates, useful for quarterly installments.

What you can pay:

Using online banking, you can pay individual income tax (current year and amount owing), installment payments, benefits and credit repayments, part XIII non‑resident tax, section 216 tax and the underused housing tax. Businesses can pay corporate income tax, GST/HST, payroll source deductions, excise duties and more.

How to pay:

1. Check if your bank participates. Major institutions such as ATB, BMO, CIBC, Desjardins, EQ Bank, Laurentian Bank, Manulife, National Bank, RBC, Scotiabank, Tangerine and TD Canada Trust support CRA payments.
2. Sign in and add the CRA as a payee. Look under “Pay bills” and search for payees like “CRA (revenue) – 20XX tax return,” “CRA (revenue) – tax amount owing” or “CRA (revenue) – tax instalment”. For repayments of benefits and credits, choose options like “GST/HST credit repayment” or “Canada Child Benefit repayment”.
3. Enter your account number. Individuals use a 9‑digit social insurance number; businesses enter their 15‑digit business number.
4. Select the payment date and amount. You can pay immediately or schedule future withdrawals for installments.

Processing time:

The payment is considered received the same or next business day and appears in your CRA account within up to three business days.

Pro tip:

Setting up the CRA as a payee at least one week before a deadline avoids last‑minute technical glitches. If you’re in rural areas like northern Saskatchewan or the Yukon, where internet connectivity can be spotty, schedule payments early and confirm receipt through your CRA account.

One‑Time Payment Using My Payment (Debit Card)

The CRA’s My Payment service lets you pay directly using a debit card (Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard). You cannot use credit cards with My Payment. Interac Debit cards were removed from the service in September 2024, so ensure your card bears the Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard logo.

What you can pay:

The service accepts individual income tax (current return, balance owing and instalments), benefit and credit repayments (Canada Workers Benefit, CCB, CAI, COVID‑19 benefits, etc.), first‑home savings account contributions, section 216 and Part XIII non‑resident tax, and the underused housing tax. Businesses can pay corporate tax, GST/HST, payroll source deductions, excise taxes, luxury tax and other remittances.

Steps to pay:

1. Have an activated debit card. Your card must display the Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard logo. The CRA lists participating banks Access Credit Union, ATB, CIBC, ConnectFirst, ICICI, RBC, Scotiabank, Tangerine and TD Canada Trust for Visa Debit; numerous credit unions for Debit Mastercard.
2. Access the My Payment service. Use the “Pay now” button on the CRA website; it operates 21 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Ensure a secure connection and modern browser. Older browsers cannot access My Payment.
4. Enter your payment details. Provide your SIN or business number, select the type of tax or repayment, and confirm the amount.

Fees & limitations:

The CRA does not charge fees for this service, but your bank may impose transaction limits. Check with your institution before paying a large balance.

Processing time:

Payments are usually recorded the same business day, but transactions after 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), on weekends or statutory holidays are dated the next business day. The payment appears in your CRA account within three business days.

Pre‑authorized Debit (PAD): Schedule Future Payments

For individuals who prefer automatic deductions, pre‑authorized debit (PAD) allows the CRA to withdraw amounts from your bank account on specified dates. You authorize payments online through My Account, My Business Account or Represent a Client. The CRA describes PAD as a self‑service option where you set up a predetermined amount and schedule.

Why choose PAD?

• You can arrange multiple payments, ideal for installments or payment arrangements.
• Payments are withdrawn automatically, so you don’t risk missing due dates.
• Agreements can be created, modified or cancelled online.

How to set it up:

1. Create a new PAD agreement in your CRA online account. Select the program account (e.g., personal income tax, GST/HST, payroll) and specify the payment allocation.
2. Provide your banking details (branch, transit and account number) and review the terms.
3. Schedule the payment date(s). The CRA requires at least five business days before the first withdrawal. You can set up future‑dated payments for up to one year.
4. Manage your agreement anytime, skip, modify or cancel a payment through the same online portal.

Processing time:

PAD withdrawals are considered received on the scheduled date and appear in your CRA account within a few business days. Always ensure sufficient funds to avoid bank NSF fees.

Pro tip:

If you travel frequently or live abroad, PAD ensures your CRA payments continue without your intervention. However, monitor your account because the CRA does not send reminders before each debit.

In‑Person Payments at Banks and Credit Unions

If you prefer face‑to‑face transactions, you can pay CRA tax at the counter (teller) of any Canadian bank or credit union. The CRA confirms that payments can be made through direct withdrawal, debit card, cheque or money order.

What you can pay:

This method accepts most types of individual and business payments, including personal tax returns, balances owing, instalments, benefit repayments, first‑home savings account contributions, corporate tax, GST/HST, payroll deductions and the underused housing tax. However, TFSA amounts owing and certain charity penalties cannot be paid this way.

How to pay:

• Bring a remittance voucher. Banks require an original CRA voucher to apply your payment correctly; photocopies are not accepted. Order one online if you don’t have one.
• Visit the teller. Tell the clerk which tax type you’re paying and present your voucher. Payments can be made by direct withdrawal, debit card, cheque or money order.
• Foreign payments. If you are paying from outside Canada and the United States, you may need to send a wire transfer.

Processing time:

Payments at a teller are considered received the same day and appear in your CRA account within two to three business days.

Pro tip:

This method is ideal if you live in urban areas with easy access to banks—cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa or Halifax. In smaller towns without a branch, online options are faster.

Payments at Bank or Credit Union ATMs

Many Canadians still use ATMs to pay bills. You can make CRA payments through an automated teller machine (ATM)at most banks or credit unions. Service fees may apply.

Acceptable payments:

ATMs accept the same range of individual and business payments as teller services, such as personal income tax, instalments, benefit repayments, corporate taxes, GST/HST and payroll deductions. They do not accept TFSA amounts or some business penalties.

Steps to pay:

1. Add CRA as a payee in your online or telephone banking account before using the ATM.
2. Verify participation. Participating institutions include major banks (ATB, BMO, CIBC, Desjardins, EQ Bank, HSBC, National Bank, RBC, Scotiabank, Tangerine, TD, etc.) and regional credit unions. Businesses may also use ATMs at banks like J.P. Morgan, PNC and others.
3. Visit the ATM with your debit card, select the correct CRA payee (e.g., tax return, amount owing or instalment), and enter your payment amount.

Processing time:

ATM payments are considered received within one to two business days and show up in your CRA account within three business days.

Pro tip:

Use ATMs during branch hours; if you encounter errors, staff can assist. Always keep the ATM receipt until the payment appears in your CRA account.

Paying at Canada Post Retail Locations (Cash or Debit)

If you prefer paying with cash or your debit card and don’t have a bank account, you can pay CRA tax in person at any Canada Post outlet. The CRA states that you must use a QR code to identify your account and that Canada Post charges a service fee.

What you can pay:

Canada Post accepts most personal and business payments, including income tax returns, balances owing, instalments, benefits repayments and first‑home savings account contributions. However, some charity penalties cannot be paid.

How to pay:

1. Generate a QR code. Use CRA’s My Account or My Business Account to generate a personalized QR code for the debt you want to pay. Alternatively, you can create one via PaySimply, a third‑party provider.
2. Visit a Canada Post outlet. Bring the QR code (printed or on your smartphone). The clerk will scan it, ask how much you want to pay and add a service fee. Payments above $3,000 or above your daily transaction limit must be split into multiple transactions, and you may be asked for photo identification.
3. Pay with cash or debit card. The clerk will provide a receipt with a reference number. If you printed your code, dispose of the paper securely.

Processing time:

Payments are considered received the same day and are updated in your CRA account within two business days.

Pro tip:

For those in remote communities where bank branches are rare, such as northern Quebec or the Northwest Territories, Canada Post may be the most accessible option. Generate your QR code at home before visiting.

Paying Through Third‑Party Service Providers (Credit Card, PayPal & Interac e‑Transfer)

The CRA does not accept credit card payments directly, but you can pay through third‑party service providers that process credit cards, debit cards, PayPal or Interac e‑Transfer. PaySimply and Plastiq are two providers that offer credit card payments. Service fees apply and vary by provider.

What you can pay:

These services accept most individual and business payments. For example, PaySimply allows individuals to pay income tax amounts owing and instalments, benefit repayments and carbon rebate repayments, while businesses can pay corporate tax, GST/HST remittances, payroll deductions, excise duties and the underused housing tax. Plastiq supports similar payments.

How to pay:

1. Gather your information. Individuals need their social insurance number; businesses need a business number and program account.
2. Register with the provider. Create an account on PaySimply, Plastiq or another approved provider.
3. Choose the tax type and amount. Enter your CRA account number, payment amount and payment method (credit card, PayPal or e‑Transfer).
4. Verify processing time and fees. Each provider has its own service charge and delivery time.

Avoid late fees:

You are responsible for ensuring the CRA receives your payment by the due date. Because processing is not immediate, set up your payment well in advance. Understand the provider’s terms and conditions before confirming.

Processing times:

Payments are considered received once the provider remits your funds to the CRA; this can take two to three business days. Check your CRA account after a few days to confirm the payment.

Pro tip:

Third‑party providers are helpful if you need to use a credit card to manage cash flow or earn reward points. However, factor in service fees (often 2–3 %) and processing delays.

Wire Transfer Payments for Non‑Residents

If you live outside Canada and don’t have a Canadian bank account, you can pay CRA tax via wire transfer. This option is available to non‑residents (with the exception of GST/HST security deposits).

What you can pay:

Wire transfers can cover personal taxes, balances owing, installments, benefit repayments, part XIII non‑resident tax, section 216 tax, TFSA amounts owing and the underused housing tax. Businesses can pay corporate tax, GST/HST, payroll deductions, excise taxes and other remittances.

Key requirements:

• Send the wire in Canadian dollars. The transfer must not deduct bank fees from the total amount; otherwise the CRA will view it as underpayment.
• Use the designated bank details. Scotiabank (The Bank of Nova Scotia) processes CRA wire transfers without charging forwarding fees. Use the SWIFT code NOSCCATT, institution code 002, transit number 47696 and beneficiary account number 476962363410. The beneficiary name is Receiver General for Canada and the address is 11 Laurier Street, Gatineau QC K1A 0S5. Include the authorization number 12226367 plus your CRA account number in the description field.
• Provide your details. Individuals must supply their non‑resident account number or SIN, full legal name, phone number and tax year. Businesses provide their non‑resident account number or business number, business name, period end date and phone number. Failure to include all information may delay processing.
• Fax your confirmation. After wiring the funds, fax the transfer confirmation and related documents to the CRA’s Revenue Processing Section at 204‑983‑0924, noting the date, amount and confirmation number.

Processing time:

Wire transfers are considered paid on the same or next business day and usually appear in your CRA account within three business days.

Pro tip:

Because wire transfers involve multiple banks, start the process at least a week before your due date. If you’re an expatriate living in Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates or Europe, confirm with your local bank that they can send wires in CAD.

Paying by Mail (Cheque)

Traditionalists can still mail a cheque from a Canadian bank account to pay their taxes. The CRA accepts cheques for personal and business tax payments. However, mail delivery and processing are slow, so this method is best used as a last resort.

What you can pay:

Cheques by mail can be used for personal income taxes, installment payments, benefit repayments, first‑home savings accounts, and most corporate taxes and remittances. However, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board payments cannot be paid by mail.

How to pay:

1. Include payment details. Attach your remittance voucher or a copy of the notice requesting payment; if you don’t have either, write your full CRA account number, SIN, or business number and payment details on the cheque or a separate sheet. Failure to include your full account number causes delays.
2. Write the cheque. Make it payable to the Receiver General for Canada and include your tax number in the memo field.
3. Mail the cheque. Send it to Canada Revenue Agency, PO Box 3800 STN A, Sudbury, ON P3A 0C3. You can also drop it off at a CRA drop box.

Processing time:

Cheques are considered paid when delivered to the CRA; your account is updated up to 10 business days after the payment is received.

Pro tip:

Because of long processing times, mail your cheque at least two weeks before the due date. Electronic methods are faster and more secure.

Choosing the Right Payment Method

With so many options, how do you decide which method suits you? Consider the following factors:

Factor	Best for	Notes
Convenience & speed	Online banking or My Payment	Fast processing and immediate confirmation. Ideal for most individuals and businesses with Canadian bank accounts.
Automatic scheduling	Pre‑authorized debit	Set up future payments and installments without worry.
Cash payments	Canada Post retail locations	Suitable if you don’t have online banking. Requires QR code and service fee.
In‑person assistance	Bank or credit union teller	Helpful if you prefer speaking to a clerk. Requires remittance voucher.
Credit card use	Third‑party providers (PaySimply, Plastiq)	Enables cash‑flow management or rewards but comes with fees and delays.
Non‑resident payments	Wire transfer	For those without Canadian bank accounts. Must be in CAD.
Slow but possible	Cheque by mail	Use only when other options are unavailable; long processing times.

CRA Tax Deadlines Table (2024 to 2026)

1. Deadlines for the 2024 Tax Year (Filed & Paid in 2025)

Deadline Type	Date	Notes
RRSP / PRPP / SPP Contribution Deadline	March 3, 2025	Last day to contribute for the 2024 tax year
Filing Deadline (Most Individuals)	April 30, 2025	File your return by this date
Payment Deadline	April 30, 2025	Pay any balance owing by this date
Filing Deadline (Self-Employed)	June 15, 2025	Self-employed can file later, but must still pay by April 30
Instalment Payment – Q1	March 15, 2025	If instalments are required
Instalment Payment – Q2	June 15, 2025	—
Instalment Payment – Q3	September 15, 2025	—
Instalment Payment – Q4	December 15, 2025	—
Instalment Payment – Farmers/Fishers	December 31, 2025	One annual instalment

2. Deadlines for the 2025 Tax Year (Filed & Paid in 2026)

Deadline Type	Date	Notes
RRSP / PRPP / SPP Contribution Deadline	March 2, 2026	Last day to contribute for the 2025 tax year
Filing Deadline (Most Individuals)	April 30, 2026	File your return by this date
Payment Deadline	April 30, 2026	Pay any balance owing by this date
Filing Deadline (Self-Employed)	June 15, 2026	Self-employed can file later, but must still pay by April 30
Instalment Payment – Q1	March 15, 2026	If instalments are required
Instalment Payment – Q2	June 15, 2026	—
Instalment Payment – Q3	September 15, 2026	—
Instalment Payment – Q4	December 15, 2026	—
Instalment Payment – Farmers/Fishers	December 31, 2026	One annual instalment

Final Thoughts 

Paying your taxes on time keeps your finances in good standing and prevents interest and penalties. If you have complex tax situations or need help interpreting your CRA account, consider consulting a professional.

Ready to settle your tax bill? Contact Bestax Accountants today to make things easier for yourself. If you need professional support, book a consultation with our certified tax advisors today.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.