If you’ve recently moved, it’s essential to inform the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your new address right away. This ensures that your tax documents, benefit payments, and important correspondence reach you without delay.
Why It Matters to Update Your Address
Keeping your address current with the CRA does more than just make sure you receive your mail. It helps the agency confirm your identity, ensures timely delivery of tax and benefit information, and keeps your records accurate. Most importantly, having your address up to date helps ensure a smooth e-filing experience when submitting your tax return, minimizing delays or verification issues that might otherwise occur.
Methods for Changing Your Address
You can update your address through several convenient options, depending on your situation.
1. Online (Recommended)
The fastest way is to log in to your CRA account and update your information directly:
- Sign in to your CRA My Account
- Go to Profile → Contact Information → Edit and enter your new address
Your change takes effect immediately.
If you can’t access your account (for example, if you changed your phone number and can’t receive verification codes), you’ll need to call the CRA instead.
If you’re updating someone else’s information, such as a spouse or relative, you must be their authorized representative and use the Represent a Client portal.
Learn more on CRA’s website.
2. By Phone
You can also call the CRA to update your address. Be ready with your Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, and other personal details to confirm your identity.
- Within Canada: 1-800-959-8281
- TTY/Video Relay: Available for those who need accessibility options
- Outside Canada/US: Call the international CRA number 1-613-940-8495 (collect charges apply)
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, you’ll need their permission or formal authorization to act for them.
3. By Mail
You can also send your new address by mail using Form RC325 – Address and Telephone Number Change Request. Include your full name, updated address, and signature, then mail it to the address listed on the form.
Mail processing can take 4 to 6 weeks after the CRA receives your request. If you’re acting on someone’s behalf, make sure to clearly indicate your representative status.
4. When Filing Your Tax Return
You can update your address while submitting a paper tax return or when using a certified EFILE service provider. The CRA will automatically update your records as part of processing your return.
If you use NETFILE, however, you can’t update your address through that system — you’ll need to make the change separately before filing.
Processing paper returns and address updates can take around eight weeks, so it’s best to make changes early to avoid any disruptions to your tax or benefit processing.
Other Considerations & Tips
If your move qualifies, you might be eligible to claim moving expenses. Also, remember that updating your address with the CRA doesn’t automatically update it with other government departments — you’ll need to contact them separately.
While you’re updating your address, consider reviewing your phone number and email in your CRA profile as well to keep all your contact information current.
