How to Contact the CRA Faster in Canada: Smart Alternatives to Long Phone Waits

Anamika Biswas
Jan 30
3 min read

For many Canadians, contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can feel overwhelming—especially during tax season. Long hold times, redirected calls, and confusing automated systems often leave taxpayers frustrated and unsure what to do next.

What many people don’t realize is that calling the CRA is no longer the fastest option for most issues. In recent years, the CRA has expanded its digital services significantly, allowing individuals and businesses to resolve common tax matters quickly and securely online.

This guide explains how to deal with the CRA more efficiently, when online tools are enough, and when additional support may be required.

Why CRA Phone Lines Are So Busy

The CRA receives tens of millions of calls each year, particularly during peak periods such as:

Personal tax filing season
Benefit recalculations
GST/HST and payroll deadlines
Audit and reassessment cycles

Because call demand often exceeds capacity, the CRA limits phone queues and redirects callers to automated services once wait times become too long. This helps manage fairness but also means many callers may not reach an agent.

The good news is that most CRA issues can be handled without calling at all.

Your CRA Account: The Fastest Way to Get Answers

A CRA online account is the most efficient way to manage tax matters. Once registered and verified, it allows taxpayers to self-serve many tasks instantly.

With online access, you can:

✔️ Check tax return and refund status

✔️ View Notices of Assessment and reassessments

✔️ Download tax slips (T4, T5, T3, RRSP, etc.)

✔️ Confirm balances owing or payments made

✔️ Review TFSA and RRSP information

✔️ Update address, direct deposit, or contact details

✔️ Receive CRA mail digitally

Many delays occur simply because accounts were not set up or updated ahead of time.

CRA Issues You Can Resolve Online

For Individuals

Most personal tax matters can be handled digitally, including:

Changing or adjusting a tax return
Checking benefit payments (CCB, GST credit, etc.)
Updating marital status or banking information
Requesting proof of income statements
Verifying whether CRA contact is legitimate

For Business Owners

Business accounts allow access to:

GST/HST filing and balance information
Payroll remittance records
CRA correspondence
Corporate tax payment history
Authorized representative management

Online access reduces processing delays and lowers the risk of errors.

CRA ONLINE SUPPORT YOU MIGHT

NOT BE USING

CRA GenAI CHATBOT (BETA)

Available 24/7, the CRA’s AI chatbot can answer general questions about programs, services, and account access. It is especially helpful outside business hours.

LIVE CHAT INSIDE YOUR CRA ACCOUNT

Within the CRA account portal, users can chat with a live CRA service representative for account-specific or general questions.

🕘 Available Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET)

This option often resolves issues faster than a phone call.

When Calling the CRA Is Still Necessary

Some situations still require speaking directly with the CRA, such as:

Being locked out of a CRA account
Complex reassessments or audit notices
Collections or payment arrangement discussions
Compliance disputes

Before calling, it is recommended to:

✔️ Check posted wait times

✔️ Gather all relevant documents

✔️ Call only when wait times are displayed

Even then, delays may occur during peak periods.

When Professional Assistance Makes Sense

While many CRA matters can be handled online, complex or high-risk situations often benefit from professional guidance, particularly when deadlines, penalties, or audits are involved.

Professional support can help with:

✔️ CRA reassessments and reviews

✔️ Penalty and interest relief requests

✔️ GST/HST and payroll compliance

✔️ Corporate tax matters

✔️ Ongoing CRA correspondence

Proper handling can prevent small issues from becoming costly problems.

Contact the CRA Faster—Final Thoughts

Spending hours trying to reach the CRA is often unnecessary.

👉 Use CRA digital services for routine matters

👉 Prepare your online account before peak seasons

👉 Seek assistance for complex or time-sensitive issues

A proactive approach can save time, reduce stress, and ensure compliance with Canadian tax requirements.

References

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Register for a CRA Account.Information on account registration, identity verification, and multi-factor authentication.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Online Chat and Digital Services.Overview of CRA’s live chat service, digital tools, and self-serve options.