CRA’s paperless system is now official. From July 3, 2025, the government has started sending emails directly to your secure online portal instead of paper letters. If you are one of the approx. 500,000 benefit recipients who have registered for a CRA account, you may have missed a few crucial notifications without knowing it.
If you are a business, emails became the default from June 16, 2025. Expect no more letters from Canada Post. CRA will let you know via email when you should be viewing your CRA My Account.
It’s now your responsibility to check your official mail diligently. Under the law, any electronic notice is presumed to have been received on the date it’s posted online, even if you don’t open it.
Why This Digital Shift is Also a Trap
For a start, online mail is actually faster, more convenient, and more secure than paper mail. Documents are protected by the CRA’s advanced security measures, which reduce their risk of being lost, stolen, or compromised in the mail.
It’s also a win-win from an environmental and cost perspective, as it tremendously trims down paper waste and postage costs for the government.
But this transition may not be in favor for everyone, especially those who are less active or diligent digitally. Take, for instance, seniors, or those in rural communities with limited internet access, or individuals who simply prefer paper correspondence.
They’re more prone to missing out on these crucial online notifications, which could result in several problems, such as:
- Missing time-sensitive requests that could lead to delays in benefit payments or a full-blown reassessment.
- Accruing interest and penalties for missing a notice of assessment or a payment reminder.
- Temporary cessation of a benefit until they provide the information required.
What You Need to Do Now
While the paperless systems may not affect how you receive your payments (direct deposits and cheques will continue as usual), it will change how you will learn about your payments and your tax situation. This includes mail related to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST credit, and the Canada Carbon Rebate.
The only way you don’t miss any important notifications is to act now: log into your CRA My Account and check your settings:
- Go to the official Canada.ca website and sign in using your CRA user ID and password or through a Sign-In Partner (your online banking credentials).
- Go to your “Profile” section. From the main dashboard, find and click on the “Profile” link.
- Check “Notification preferences.” Here, you will see your correspondence settings. The CRA has likely switched some benefit recipients to “Electronic mail” as the default.
- Update your email address. While you’re there, make sure the email address on file is current and correct. This is where the CRA will send you notifications that you have new mail to view.
You Can Always Switch Back to Paper Mail
If you prefer to continue receiving your mail by paper, you can easily switch back, especially if you feel more secure with physical documents.
It’s the same steps above (1-3) to get to your “Notification preferences.” Be sure to unselect the “Electronic mail” option. There should be a toggle or checkbox to switch your preference back to paper.
It’s also the same for businesses, but it should be done by an individual with signing authority. You can switch back through your My Business Account or by filling out and mailing in Form RC681.
Important: For businesses, this request to receive paper mail must be renewed every two years.
CRA’s Paperless System is Just a Part of It
This recent change is part of CRA’s long-term plan to move all services online. The CRA has also just ended the “Authorize a Representative” service for individuals in EFILE software, moving representatives to the more secure “Represent a Client” service.
Make Sure You Don't Miss a Single CRA Notice
If you are a benefit recipient or business owner who’s recently been switched to online mail, it’s critical that you act on it now. Make sure your email address is correct and check your CRA account regularly.
If you need help navigating your CRA My Account or have questions about how these changes affect you, Legend Fusions is here to help. Contact us for guidance. 📞
Jeffrey Ross
Jeffrey Ross is an experienced tax accountant focused on US-Canada cross-border taxation, with over three years in the industry, including a key role as client manager at a Canadian tax firm. He provides expertise in corporate and personal tax planning, specializing in non-resident tax, capital gains, CRA and IRS compliance, and retirement planning. Known for his personalized approach, Jeffrey is dedicated to guiding clients with clear, practical advice tailored to complex tax scenarios, aligned with the evolving tax laws.