Moving is stressful enough — but failing to update your address with CRA can cause you to miss benefit payments, tax notices, and important correspondence. Here is exactly how to update it, and who else to notify at the same time.
This admin step fits into a broader CRA maintenance checklist, starting with use CRA My Account and set up CRA direct deposit. On your next filing cycle, confirm your mailing details and account status to make sure nothing is missed.
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, CAIP) if not on direct deposit
- Send your Notice of Assessment (NOA) each year
- Send audit and review letters — which have response deadlines
- Send collections notices for outstanding balances
- Verify your identity when you call CRA
An outdated address can lead to missed deadlines and, in the case of uncashed benefit cheques, payments that eventually get sent to the Bank of Canada as unclaimed funds.
Method 1: Online via CRA My Account (fastest)
- Log in to CRA My Account at canada.ca
- 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 recommended method — it is instant, requires no wait time, 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 CRA automatically — but this only updates once a year when you file.
If you moved recently and your tax return isn’t due for several months, use My Account or the phone option instead.
Method 3: By phone
Call CRA at 1-800-959-8281 (individual enquiries).
Have ready:
- Your SIN
- Your date of birth
- Your previous address (for verification)
- A line amount from your most recent tax return
CRA will verify your identity, then update the address on file. Changes process in a few business days. Wait times are shortest early morning or after 3 PM, and lowest volume in May–September.
Method 4: By mail or fax
You can write a signed letter to your local CRA tax centre (find it at canada.ca → “Our offices”) with your name, SIN, old address, and new address. This is the slowest method — only use it if you have no access to a phone or internet.
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 CRA is one step — but many Canadians miss other important addresses:
| 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 |
| 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:
- Check with your old landlord or building manager — they may have received the mail
- Contact Canada Post about mail forwarding from the old address
- Call CRA to report the missing payment and request a reissue — they can confirm if a cheque was issued and reissue it if it has not been cashed
If the cheque was cashed by someone else, CRA treats this as a potential fraud case — report it to the CRA security tip line.
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
- Climate Action Incentive
You do not need to contact each program separately. A single address update in My Account or via phone applies everywhere within CRA’s systems. The exception is Service Canada (CPP, OAS, EI) and Revenu Québec — these 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
- How to Use CRA My Account — Full guide to the CRA portal
- How to Set Up CRA Direct Deposit — Avoid missed benefit cheques entirely
- Unclaimed CRA Money Canada — Check for uncashed cheques from past addresses
- Interprovincial Move Financial Checklist — Full province-to-province financial to-do list