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How to Make Payments to the CRA (Step-by-Step Guide)

Paying your taxes on time to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is essential to avoid interest and penalties. Fortunately, there are several secure and convenient ways to make payments in Canada.

In this guide, we explain the most common options, step by step.

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What payments can you make to the CRA?

You can pay:

  • Personal income tax (T1)
  • Corporate tax (T2)
  • GST/HST
  • Outstanding balances from prior years
  • Interest or penalties

Methods to pay the CRA

1. Pre-Authorized Debit (CRA My Account / My Business Account)

You can schedule payments directly through the CRA portal:

👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals.html
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-businesses/business-account.html

Benefits:

  • Schedule future payments
  • Avoid missed deadlines
  • No need to log into your bank

📌 Ideal for recurring payments such as HST or instalments.

Steps to pay through your CRA account:

  1. Log in to CRA My Account
    👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals.html
  2. Sign in using Sign-In Partner or CRA user ID

 

  1. Select your account:

    • Individual (for personal taxes)
    • Business (for HST, payroll, etc.)

  2.  Click on “Accounts and payments” 

  3. Selecciona “Make a payment” o "Proceed to Pay"

  4. Select “Make a payment” or “Proceed to Pay”
  5. Enter the payment type, tax year, and amount (if applicable)
  6. Schedule the payment (pre-authorized debit)
  7. Confirm and save your receipt

2. CRA My Payment (Online debit)

You can pay directly through the CRA website using debit (Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard, depending on your bank):

👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/payment-save-time-pay-online.html

Benefits:

  • Immediate payment
  • No need to add a payee in your bank
  • Direct process through CRA



Pasos para pagar con CRA My Payment:

  1. Go to:
    👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/payment-save-time-pay-online.html
  2. Click “Pay now using My Payment”
  3. Select the payment type (e.g., Income tax (T1), HST, instalments)

  4.  Enter your SIN or Business Number 

  5. Select the tax year and amount to pay
  6. Review the summary and click “Pay Now”

  7. Enter your card details:

    • Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard
      (credit cards are not accepted)
  8.  Confirm the payment and save your receipt 

3. Credit Card Payment (Third-party providers)

You can pay using authorized third-party platforms:

👉 https://www.paysimply.ca/
👉 https://www.plastiq.com/

⚠️ Important:

  • Fees apply (~2%–3%)
  • Can be useful if you need to finance your payment

4. Online Banking Payment

The CRA recommends this method as it works like paying a bill.

👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/pay-online-banking.html

Steps:

  1. Log in to your online banking or mobile app
  2. Go to Bill Payments
  3. Add the CRA as a payee
  4. Select the correct payment type (e.g., personal tax, GST/HST)
  5. Enter your account number:
    • SIN (individuals)
    • Business Number (BN) (businesses)
  6. Enter the amount
  7. Confirm or schedule the payment

📌 Important:

  • The payee name may vary depending on your bank
  • Double-check your account number to avoid errors

5. In-person payment at the bank

You can pay at a bank branch using:

  • A CRA remittance voucher
  • Your SIN or Business Number

👉 Get vouchers here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms.html

📌 This option is less common today but still available.

When is your payment considered received?

  • Immediate (My Payment or pre-authorized debit)
  • 1–3 business days (online banking)
  • Longer if paid in person

What happens if you pay late?

The CRA may charge:

  • Daily compound interest
  • Additional penalties

That’s why it’s important to pay before the deadline.

Important tips

  • Always select the correct payment type (especially HST vs income tax)
  • Keep your payment confirmations
  • Schedule payments for recurring obligations
  • Consult your accountant if you’re unsure

Need help?

At Toro Accounting, we help you:

  • Accurately calculate your taxes
  • File your returns
  • Ensure your CRA payments are done correctly

📩 Contact us for personalized support.