Over the past few years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has been steadily expanding its online services. In 2025, that effort is more visible than ever as the CRA continues its push toward online access and digital mail. For many Canadians, this shift raises important questions: What exactly is CRA online access, and why is the government encouraging taxpayers to move away from paper correspondence?
What is CRA Online Access?
CRA online access refers primarily to the My Account and My Business Account portals. These secure online platforms allow individuals and businesses to view and manage their tax information in one place. Through online access, Canadians can check their tax returns and notices of assessment, view RRSP and TFSA contribution limits, track benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, and make payments directly to the CRA. For businesses, the online system provides additional tools such as managing payroll, GST/HST filings, and corporate tax obligations.
Instead of waiting for letters to arrive in the mail, taxpayers can now log in and see updates in real time. Security features, such as multi-factor authentication and email alerts, have been added to increase protection and reassure Canadians about the safety of their personal data.
Why the CRA is Moving Toward Online Mail
There are several reasons the CRA is encouraging Canadians to adopt digital mail:
1. Speed and Efficiency
Online mail delivery is instant. Instead of waiting days—or sometimes weeks—for a notice of assessment, correspondence can be viewed as soon as it’s issued. This ensures taxpayers have more time to act on deadlines, such as filing corrections or making payments.
2. Security
Contrary to the belief that paper is “safer,” digital mail reduces the risk of sensitive information being lost, stolen, or delivered to the wrong address. CRA’s secure portals keep all correspondence in one place, protected by encryption and identity verification.
3. Cost Savings for the Government
Printing, processing, and mailing millions of letters every year costs taxpayers significant money. By shifting to online mail, the CRA can reduce administrative expenses and allocate resources toward improving services.
4. Environmental Impact
Going paperless also supports Canada’s environmental goals. Reducing printed letters cuts down on paper waste, ink, and transportation costs associated with delivering physical mail.
5. Pandemic Lessons
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for digital services across all levels of government. The CRA’s online mailing system was strengthened to ensure continuity of service when physical mail distribution was delayed. That shift has continued post-pandemic, reflecting modern expectations for digital-first services.
What This Means for Taxpayers
For individuals and businesses, the move to online mail means staying on top of your CRA account is more important than ever. Email notifications are sent when a new message or notice is available, but it’s up to the taxpayer to log in and read them. Ignoring your online account could mean missing critical deadlines, such as payment due dates or requests for additional documents.
That said, the CRA still provides paper mail to those who opt out or who do not have reliable internet access. However, the default is increasingly digital. Over time, the expectation is that most taxpayers will transition to online mail as the standard way to interact with the CRA.
