CRA support if you're affected by a disaster
During wildfires, floods, and severe weather events, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) acknowledges the significant impact on families, homes, businesses, and communities.
The CRA is committed to helping in various ways, which can include:
- Provide delayed payments or benefits
- Help replace damaged records
- Relief from penalties and interest
- Set up debt payment arrangements
If you're unable to receive tax credits or benefit cheques
If a disaster has caused delays in receiving your CRA benefits and credits, due to evacuations or mail delivery suspension, contact us at 1-800-959-8281 for immediate assistance. In some cases, we may be able to issue a duplicate payment.
If you haven't already, we strongly recommend registering for the CRA sign-in services. My Account allows you to track your refund, check your benefit and credit payments, set up direct deposit, receive email notifications, and so much more.
For step-by-step instructions on accessing My Account, refer to Register for CRA sign-in services.
People affected by delays can also visit the Canada Post website for updates on their mail delivery with their Delivery service alerts.
If you're unable to file or pay your taxes on time
We understand that individuals and businesses may face circumstances, such as disasters, where they cannot file or pay on time.
For help on managing debt during challenging times, call us if you can't pay in full or on time.
If you were unable to meet your tax filing obligations due to circumstances beyond your control, you can request relief from penalties and interest. Refer to: Cancel or waive penalties and interest at the CRA.
If financial assistance is provided
During disasters, both employers and governments may provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses.
Employers may offer special allowances or emergency funds to help employees cope with immediate challenges like displacement or loss of income. For further information on whether these payments are taxable or tax-deductible, individuals and employers should refer to: Financial assistance payments from your employer or to your employee.
Governments may offer financial assistance to taxpayers to help them recover from personal losses and expenses. For more details on whether these payments are taxable, refer to: Financial assistance payments from your government.
If you're unable to pay a debt
If you need more time to pay a debt while you recover from a disaster, you may be able to schedule a series of payments in My Account or My Business Account. Refer to: Arrange to pay your debt over time.
You can also call the Debt Management Call Centre to set up a payment arrangement at 1-888-863-8657.
If you need to replace damaged records
To replace damaged records, the CRA may have copies of your personal financial records available. Contact us to discuss your specific needs:
- Individuals: 1-800-959-8281
- Businesses: 1-800-959-5525
- Charities: 1-800-267-2384
Financial records are also kept by banks, municipalities, provinces and territories.
If you're part of an impacted Indigenous community
If you belong to an affected Indigenous community, you may need support with your taxes and benefits after a disaster. Refer to: Emergency management.
You can also refer to the Factsheet: Natural disaster relief which is available in 11 Indigenous languages.
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