Automated reminder to file income tax returns
The CRA may call you using an automated telephone message. We may call between April 3, 2023 and May 29, 2023 to remind you to file your income tax return. During this call, you will not be asked to give any personal information. Go to what to expect when the CRA contacts you for more information.
What are scams
As a taxpayer, you should be cautious if you receive any communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and requests personal information such as a social insurance number (SIN), credit card number, bank account number, or passport number.
Scams may insist that personal information is needed so that you can receive a refund or a benefit payment. Cases of fraudulent communication could also involve threatening or coercive language to scare you into paying a false debt to the CRA. Other communications could direct you to visit a fake CRA website where you are asked to verify your identity by entering personal information.
If you are unsure and want to confirm if the CRA contacted you, call:
In the provinces
- Individuals:
- 1-866-426-1527
- Businesses:
- 1-800-959-5525
Recognize various CRA-related scams
Know what to expect when the CRA contacts you, what we may ask or what we will not, plus what are the most current CRA scams.
Scams by phone
The CRA will not
- demand immediate payment by:
- Interac e-transfer
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)
- Prepaid credit cards
- Gift card from retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, or others
- ask for a fee to speak with a contact centre agent
- use aggressive language or threaten you with arrest or sending the police
- leave voicemails that are threatening or give personal or financial information
The CRA may
- verify your identity by asking for personal information such as your full name, date of birth, address, or SIN
- ask for details about your file in My Account or My Business Account
- call you to ask about a tax debt or to begin an audit process
- call you to offer free tax help for your small business or offer support in helping your clients access their benefits and credits
- send an automated telephone message to remind you of your filing or other tax obligations
- When in doubt, ask yourself
- Why is the caller pressuring me to act immediately? Am I certain the caller is a CRA employee?
- Have I received written communication from the CRA by email or mail about the subject of the call?
- Does the CRA have my most recent contact information, such as my email and address?
- Is the caller asking for information I would not give in my tax return or that is not related to the money I owe the CRA?
- Did I recently send a request to change my business number information?
- Do I have an instalment payment due soon?
Scams by email
The CRA will not
- give or ask for personal or financial information by email and ask you to click on a link
- email you a link that demands you fill in an online form with personal or financial details
- send you an email with a link to your refund
- demand immediate payment by:
- Interac e-transfer
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)
- Prepaid credit cards
- Gift card from retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, or others
- threaten you with arrest or a prison sentence
The CRA may
notify you by email when a new message or a document, such as a notice of assessment or reassessment, is available for you to view in secure CRA portals such as My Account, My Business Account, or Represent a Client. To confirm if an email notification you received is legitimate, see email notifications you will receive email you a link to a CRA webpage, form, or publication that you ask for during a telephone call or a meeting with a CRA agent email you a consent form to meet with someone from the CRA via videoconference. You will only receive the form after you’ve agreed to provide your email address email you about Tax credits and benefits for individuals and the CRA’s online services, such as My Account
When in doubt, ask yourself
- Did I file my tax return on time? Have I received a notice of assessment or reassessment saying I owe tax?
- Does the CRA have my most recent contact information, such as my email and address?
- Do I have an instalment payment due soon?
Report a scam
- To report a scam call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: 1-888-495-8501
CRA scam alerts
- The CRA is regularly made aware of scams impersonating the CRA. Stay up-to-date with current CRA’s scam alerts. (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/security/protect-yourself-against-fraud/scam-alerts.html)
