An out-of-date address with the CRA can mean missed benefit payments, tax notices and letters with response deadlines. This page covers the four ways to update it and who else to notify at the same time; it is part of the Dealing with the CRA directory.
Why your CRA address matters
CRA uses your address on file to:
- Mail refund cheques (if you do not have direct deposit)
- Mail benefit cheques (CCB, GST credit) if not on direct deposit
- Send your Notice of Assessment (NOA) each year
- Send audit and review letters, which have response deadlines (see what to do when you get a CRA audit letter)
- Send collections notices for outstanding balances (the sequence is in what happens if you don’t pay the CRA)
- Verify your identity when you call CRA
An outdated address can lead to missed deadlines and uncashed cheques; finding a CRA cheque that was never cashed is covered in unclaimed CRA money.
Method 1: Online via CRA My Account (fastest)
- Log in to CRA My Account at canada.ca (registration is covered in the My Account sign-in guide)
- Under “Personal information”, click “Personal profile”
- Click “Change address”
- Enter your new address and click “Save”
- The change is reflected immediately in your account and processes within 1–3 business days for mail
This is the quickest method: it takes effect in the account right away and gives you a confirmation record.
Method 2: On your annual tax return (T1)
When you file your T1 return each year, there is a section for your current address. Filing a return with your updated address notifies the CRA automatically, but this only updates once a year when you file, so a recent move is usually updated through My Account or by phone in the meantime.
Method 3: By phone
Call the CRA’s individual enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281 (hours are on the CRA contact information page).
Have ready:
- Your SIN
- Your date of birth
- Your previous address (for verification)
- A line amount from your most recent tax return
The CRA will verify your identity, then update the address on file. Changes process in a few business days.
Method 4: By mail or fax
You can write a signed letter to your CRA tax centre with your name, SIN, old address, and new address; the addresses are in the CRA tax-centre address list. This is the slowest method.
What about Quebec?
Revenu Québec is entirely separate from CRA. Updating your CRA address does not update Revenu Québec. If you live in Quebec, also update your address with Revenu Québec:
- Online: revenuquebec.ca → “My Account (citizens)”
- Phone: 1-800-267-6299
Who else to notify when you move
Updating the CRA is one step; many other organizations keep their own address records:
| Organization | Why | How |
|---|---|---|
| CRA | Benefits, refunds, NOAs | My Account or phone |
| Revenu Québec (if applicable) | Provincial taxes and benefits | revenuquebec.ca |
| Service Canada | CPP, OAS, EI, SIN records | My Service Canada Account for OAS; a call-back request, Service Canada office or call centre for CPP and EI |
| Employer payroll | T4 address for income slips | HR/payroll department |
| Banks and financial institutions | Account statements, cards | Online banking or branch |
| TFSA/RRSP/investment accounts | Registered account records | Brokerage or advisor |
| OSAP / student loans (NSLSC) | Loan repayment notices | nslsc.canada.ca |
| Elections Canada | Voter registration | elections.ca |
| Canada Post | Mail forwarding (optional) | canadapost.ca |
| Provincial health insurance | OHIP, MSP, AHCIP, etc. | Provincial health ministry |
| Driver’s licence and vehicle registration | Provincial requirement | Provincial motor vehicle office |
| Insurance providers | Auto, home, life | Insurer directly |
If you moved recently and missed a benefit payment
If a benefit cheque was mailed to your old address:
- Your old landlord or building manager may have received the mail
- Canada Post can set up mail forwarding from the old address
- The CRA can confirm whether a cheque was issued and reissue it if it has not been cashed
CRA direct deposit avoids mailed cheques altogether.
If the cheque was cashed by someone else, the CRA treats this as a potential fraud case, reported through its security tip line (the number is on the CRA contact information page).
Address changes for multiple benefits in one step
Updating your address in CRA My Account updates it across all CRA programs simultaneously:
- Income tax correspondence
- GST/HST credit
- Canada Child Benefit
- Canada Workers Benefit
You do not need to contact each program separately. A single address update in My Account or via phone applies everywhere within the CRA’s systems. The exceptions are Service Canada (CPP, OAS, EI) and Revenu Québec, which are separate systems requiring separate updates.
For Canadians moving inter-provincially, also review the Moving Provinces Financial Checklist which covers all the administrative updates needed when crossing provincial borders.
Related resources
- CRA My Account: the personal information section and the rest of the account
- Identifying a CRA deposit: which benefit a payment was, once it arrives