Starting in the spring of 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will transition to online mail as the default method of delivering most business correspondence. This shift reflects the CRA’s commitment to modernization, efficiency, and reducing paper waste. It also aligns with the broader government initiative to digitize services and enhance accessibility. While this transition offers numerous benefits, it also means that businesses must take proactive steps to adapt and ensure they don’t miss critical communications.
What’s Changing?
The CRA will begin delivering most business tax notices, statements, and other correspondence exclusively through the My Business Account platform. This means that businesses will get email notifications instead of receiving paper mail when new messages or documents are available in their My Business Account. This change will streamline communication, ensure faster and more secure delivery of critical information, and reduce the reliance on paper-based processes.
Key Correspondence Moving Online
- Notices of Assessment: These will now be delivered electronically through My Business Account, eliminating the wait for paper mail and allowing for quicker response times.
- Reassessment Notices: Any changes to your tax return will be communicated through My Business Account, enabling prompt action if needed.
- Payment Reminders: Reminders for upcoming tax payments will be sent electronically, reducing the risk of missed deadlines.
- Correspondence and Inquiries: The online platform will also manage general correspondence and responses to inquiries, centralizing communication and creating a digital record.
How to Prepare Your Business
To ensure a seamless transition and avoid any disruptions to your business operations, follow these essential steps:
- Access Your My Business Account: If you don’t already have a My Business Account, visit the CRA website and follow the straightforward registration process. If you already have an account, log in to ensure your contact information, including your email address, is accurate and up-to-date.
- Check Your Notification Preferences: Navigate to the Notification Preferences section in your account profile. There, you can add or update your email address and opt-in for email notifications of new correspondence. Having a valid and regularly monitored email address on file is crucial, as this will be the primary way you’ll be notified of new messages in your My Business Account.
- Familiarize Yourself with My Business Account Features: My Business Account is a comprehensive platform for managing your business’s tax affairs. Take some time to explore its various features, including filing returns, viewing statements, making payments, and managing your business information. The more familiar you are with the platform, the easier it will be to navigate and utilize its functionalities effectively.
- Inform Your Team: If multiple people within your organization are responsible for managing tax-related matters, make sure everyone is aware of the upcoming change to online mail. Delegate responsibilities and establish clear procedures to ensure that someone regularly monitors your My Business Account and promptly responds to any CRA correspondence.
- Consider Authorizing Representatives: If you work with an accountant or tax professional, you can authorize them to access your My Business Account on your behalf. This will allow them to stay informed and assist you with managing your tax obligations.
Benefits of the Transition
The CRA’s shift to online mail offers several significant benefits for businesses:
- Faster Access to Information: Online delivery eliminates postal delays, providing immediate access to essential tax notices and correspondence. This allows for quicker response times and enables you to take action promptly.
- Enhanced Security: My Business Account stores messages and documents securely, reducing the risk of lost or intercepted mail. Additionally, digital communication helps protect sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: This change supports sustainability efforts and reduces the environmental footprint associated with traditional mail by minimizing paper usage.
- Improved Organization and Accessibility: All your CRA correspondence will be centralized in one location, making it easier to track, search, and manage your tax-related communications.
- Increased Efficiency: Online communication streamlines processes, reduces administrative overhead, and saves business and CRA time.
Don’t Wait—Act Now
Preparing for the CRA’s transition to online mail is simple but crucial. By updating your information, familiarizing yourself with My Business Account, and educating your team, you can ensure a smooth transition and avoid missed communications.
Remember, the CRA is committed to supporting businesses throughout this transition. If you have any questions or concerns, visit the CRA website or contact their business enquiries line for assistance.
Embrace the digital future and keep your business on track by staying ahead of the curve and adapting to the CRA’s online mail initiative.