Making payments

Save time, pay online! - The Canada Revenue Agency prefers to receive electronic payments. You can use your financial institution's Internet or telephone banking services, or use the CRA's My Payment service.

There are several ways to make payments depending on what you are paying. Refer to the topics below for detailed information.

The following information applies to all payments:

Photocopies

You cannot use a photocopy of a form to make your payment at a financial institution. Our forms are printed with magnetic ink characters to allow for processing through the banking system. Photocopies do not contain magnetic ink and will be refused by financial institutions. For details on getting a replacement form or using alternate methods of payment, refer to the topics above.

Paying in foreign funds

You can make your payments in foreign funds, however, the exchange rate you receive for converting the payment to Canadian dollars is determined by the financial institution processing your payment.

Payments over $25 million

The Canadian Payments Association sets a maximum value of $25 million for any cheque or other paper-based payment instrument cleared through the banking system. Canadian financial institutions will not accept cheques in excess of this amount that you drop off or mail to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You are encouraged to make arrangements with your financial institution for payments of large amounts.

Wire transfers

This payment method is only available to non-residents who do not hold a Canadian bank account. For more information, see Wire transfers.