CRA to Transition to Default Online Mail for Business Accounts in 2025

Starting in spring 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will make online mail the default method for delivering most business correspondence. This means businesses will receive notices, letters, forms, and other documents through the CRA’s secure online portal, My Business Account, instead of by traditional mail. This transition to digital communication is designed to improve efficiency, enhance data security, and streamline tax-related processes.

This change impacts:

• New businesses registering for a business number or program accounts.
• Existing businesses already registered for My Business Account.
• Businesses with representatives using the Represent a Client portal to access CRA services on their behalf.

However, certain groups—like charities, non-resident businesses, or businesses not registered for online services—will continue to receive correspondence by paper mail unless they choose otherwise.

How to Prepare for the Switch

To ensure a smooth transition to online mail:

• Log in to My Business Account: If you don’t already have an account, register as soon as possible
• Update Your Email Address: Make sure your email is current to receive notifications about new correspondence. You can add up to three email addresses per program account for yourself, your representative, accountant, or authorized individuals.
• Monitor Your Account: After May 2025, all correspondence sent to your My Business Account will be considered received on the date it’s posted.

Requesting paper mail

If you would like to receive your correspondence by paper mail, you’ll need to make a request to activate paper mail. Starting in May 2025, paper mail can be requested in one of two ways:

• Select paper mail as your delivery method for correspondence in My Business Account
• Fill out and mail form RC681 – Request to Activate Paper Mail for Business

Still Have Questions About the Transition?

If you need clarification on any of CRA to Transition to Default Online Mail for Business Accounts mentioned above, please contact a Manning Elliott tax team member.

Manning Elliott regularly posts new blogs and up-to-date articles on taxation changes by the federal and provincial governments.

NOTE: Federal and provincial tax laws are complex and are subject to frequent changes. Information contained in this  Manning Elliott blog is not intended to represent legal or tax advice. Please consult with your tax adviser before employing any strategies based on the information discussed within this article