Millions of Canadians move every year — and a significant number never update their address with the Canada Revenue Agency. The CRA doesn't chase you. It just keeps sending your tax refunds, GST credits, and benefit payments to wherever you used to live.
Here's exactly how to update your CRA address — online, by phone, and by mail — plus why it matters more than most people realize.
Method 1 — Online via My Account (Fastest)
My Account at canada.ca is the CRA's online portal and the fastest way to change your address. Changes apply immediately and you don't need to wait on hold.
Sign in to CRA My Account
Go to canada.ca and search "CRA My Account." Sign in using your GCKey, Sign-In Partner (your online banking credentials), or a CRA user ID and password if you've registered one.
Navigate to Personal Information
From the My Account dashboard, select Profile in the top menu, then choose Personal information.
Select Change My Address
Under the Address section, click Change my address. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your lease, deed, or utility bill — including the correct postal code.
Confirm and submit
Review the entry and submit. The CRA confirms the change immediately on screen. Keep a screenshot or note the date for your records.
Method 2 — By Phone
If you can't access My Account, the CRA's telephone service can update your address directly.
Monday–Friday 8am–8pm local time (extended hours during tax season)
Monday–Friday 9am–6pm local time
Same hours as the individual line
Before you call, have these ready:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your most recent Notice of Assessment (line 15000 total income)
- Your new address including postal code
Method 3 — By Mail
You can send a signed letter or complete Form RC325 (Address Change Request) and mail it to your nearest CRA Tax Centre. Include your SIN, full name, date of birth, old address, new address, and signature.
Mail changes take 4–6 weeks to process. This method is only recommended if you have no internet or phone access.
What the CRA Uses Your Address For
An outdated CRA address affects more than just tax returns:
Tax Refunds
Refund cheques are mailed to the address on file. Direct deposit bypasses this — but if you don't have direct deposit set up, a refund can go to your old address and be cashed by whoever lives there now.
Benefit Payments
GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and other federal benefits are mailed or deposited based on your CRA address. If payments stop arriving, an address mismatch is the first thing to check.
Notices of Assessment
Your NOA is the official confirmation of your tax filing. If it goes to the wrong address, you won't know about adjustments, amounts owing, or RRSP contribution room updates until the problem has compounded.
Compliance Notices
Audit requests, collection letters, and requirement-to-file notices sent to a wrong address can result in default judgements and penalties — you have no legal defence for not responding to a notice you never received.
CRA vs Service Canada — They Are Not the Same
This is the most common mistake Canadians make. Updating your address with the CRA does not update your address with Service Canada. These are completely separate government systems.
Service Canada holds your EI, CPP, and OAS records. If you receive any of these benefits — or expect to — you need to update your address there separately through My Service Canada Account at canada.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my address with the CRA?
You can change your address with the CRA online through My Account at canada.ca, by phone at 1-800-959-8281, or by mail using Form RC325. The fastest method is My Account — changes are reflected immediately and there is no wait time.
How long does a CRA address change take?
Online changes through My Account are processed immediately. Phone changes typically take 5–10 business days to update in CRA's systems. Mail submissions can take 4–6 weeks. Online is strongly recommended.
What happens if I don't update my address with the CRA?
If the CRA has your wrong address, tax refund cheques, benefit payments (GST/HST credits, CCB, CERB-related payments), and Notices of Assessment will be sent to the wrong location. You may miss important compliance notices or have cheques cashed fraudulently.
Can I change my CRA address by phone?
Yes. Call CRA at 1-800-959-8281 (individuals) or 1-800-959-5525 (businesses). Have your SIN, date of birth, and most recent tax return information ready for identity verification. Hold times can be long during peak tax season.
Does changing my address with the CRA update my provincial tax records?
No. The CRA holds federal tax records only. Provincial tax agencies (such as Revenu Québec for Quebec residents) are separate systems and require their own address updates. Check your provincial revenue agency website for their specific process.
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