Effective June 16, 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is implementing a major change in how it communicates with business owners: all CRA business correspondence will now be delivered electronically by default.

Whether you operate as a sole proprietor or a corporation, this change applies to all existing business accounts. If you’re a business owner in Canada, here’s what you need to know and how to stay compliant.

 What’s Changing?

Starting June 16, 2025:

• CRA will send notices, letters, and other communications to your Business Account (MBA).
• Paper mail will no longer be the default. Unless you manually opt out, you will only receive digital correspondence.
• This change applies to existing and future business accounts.

This initiative is part of the CRA’s broader efforts to modernize communication and improve efficiency.

Why This Matters to Business Owners

The CRA sends a variety of important messages, including:

• Notices of assessment or reassessment
• Requests for information or supporting documents
• GST/HST return reviews
• Payroll remittances and compliance updates
• Corporate tax return processing updates

Missing these messages can result in penalties, missed deadlines, or delayed tax refunds. Since these communications will no longer arrive by mail, it’s critical that business owners regularly monitor their My Business Account.

 Action Steps for Business Owners

To ensure you don’t miss anything important:

✅ 1. Register for My Business Account

If you haven’t already done so, register for My Business Account on the CRA website. It’s the secure online portal where your digital mail will be delivered.

✅ 2. Check Notification Preferences

CRA does not send the full message by email — only a notification that a new message is available. Make sure your email address is up to date and email notifications are enabled.

✅ 3. Review Regularly

Set a recurring reminder to check your account or assign this task to your accountant or bookkeeper to avoid missing deadlines or action items.

✅ 4. Opt-Out (If needed)

If you still prefer to receive correspondence by mail, you must complete Form RC681 – Request to Activate Paper Mail for My Business and send it to your designated CRA Tax Centre. This form allows you to officially opt out of online mail delivery and continue receiving paper notices. Keep in mind that processing times may vary, so it’s best to submit the form promptly if you decide to opt out.

Need Help Managing CRA Correspondence?

As this shift takes effect, many small and mid-sized businesses may need help navigating their CRA accounts or understanding the notices they receive. As a CPA specializing in tax advisory, we can help ensure you don’t miss a beat — whether it’s reviewing CRA letters, managing deadlines, or resolving tax issues.

Final Thoughts

The CRA’s move to digital correspondence reflects a growing trend toward online service delivery. While this can improve efficiency and access to information, it also requires proactive management from business owners. Take a few minutes now to get your account set up and your notifications in place — it could save you time, stress, and money down the road.

If you have any questions about this transition or how to manage your CRA business account effectively, feel free to reach out.