Contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is a common task for individuals and business owners in Canada. Whether you need to discuss your personal income tax, inquire about benefit payments, or manage corporate tax accounts, reaching the right department ensures your issues are resolved quickly.
Official CRA Phone Numbers for 2026
The CRA operates several dedicated phone lines based on the type of inquiry. Using the correct number reduces transfer times and wait periods.
| Department | Phone Number |
| Individual Tax Enquiries | 1-800-959-8281 |
| Business Enquiries | 1-800-959-5525 |
| Benefits and Credits (CCB, GST/HST) | 1-800-387-1193 |
| International Tax and Non-Residents | 1-800-959-8281 (Inside Canada/US) |
| International Tax (Collect Calls) | 613-940-8495 (Outside Canada/US) |
| Personal Debt and Payments | 1-888-863-8657 |
| Business Debt and Payments | 1-877-477-5068 |
| TTY (Teletypewriter) | 1-800-665-0354 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating the CRA Contact Portal
The CRA official website provides real-time wait times and specific instructions for your call. Follow these steps to find the most accurate contact information online.
Step 1: Access the Contact Page
Visit the official Canada.ca website, move to the CRA contact section. You can reach this directly at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/contact-information.html.
Step 2: Choose Your Inquiry Type
On the landing page, you will see options for “Individuals,” “Businesses,” and “Charities.” Click the category that matches your status.
Step 3: Check Current Wait Times
The CRA portal now features a live wait-time indicator. Before dialing, check this section to see if the wait is “low” (under 5 minutes) or “high” (over 30 minutes).
Step 4: Prepare Your Information
The automated system will ask for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Business Number (BN). Have your most recent tax assessment or filed return ready, as the agent will ask questions to verify your identity.
Operating Hours and Best Times to Call
For the 2026 tax season, the CRA has extended its hours to accommodate high call volumes. Standard hours for individual and benefit lines are as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (local time)
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (local time)
- Sunday: Closed
The best time to call the CRA is typically mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) in the early morning or late evening. Mondays and the days following a holiday generally experience the highest call volumes.
CRA Automated Services (TIPS)
If you only need to check your refund status or account balance, you can use the Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS). This automated line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
TIPS Phone Number: 1-800-267-6999
When you call TIPS, you must provide your SIN, birth date, and the total income amount reported on line 15000 of your last return.
Contact Details and Portal Links
Official Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html
Mailing Address (General):
Canada Revenue Agency
Taxpayer Services Directorate
750 Heron Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0L5
Canada
Fraud and Scam Reporting:
If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the CRA, do not provide personal information. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Phone: 1-888-495-8501