Automatic Change to Electronic Mail for Businesses: Action Needed

Posted on September 8th, 2025 in Domestic Tax, General Business

Closeup of white envelope with red @ symbol on corner. Black background.

As of June 16, 2025, CRA changed the default correspondence method for most businesses to online only (i.e. not delivered by paper mail). As business correspondence is presumed received on the date that it is posted online to CRA’s My Business Account, it can be problematic if correspondence requiring action goes unnoticed.

To receive notifications that mail has been posted online, the taxpayer must provide CRA with an email address and register that address for notifications related to each applicable program (e.g. GST/HST, payroll, corporate tax, etc). Regardless of whether the business registers for notifications or even provides an email address, it will still be transitioned to online mail. The presumption of receipt applies regardless of whether the taxpayer receives notifications. Businesses should ensure to sign up for My Business Account to avoid losing access to important CRA correspondence.

Businesses can opt out of receiving online mail (thereby receiving paper mail) by changing their settings in the Profile section of My Business Account or by submitting Form RC681 Request to Activate Paper Mail for My Business to CRA. However, CRA may still provide online-only mail until they finish processing the request. Communications posted within 30 days of a request are still presumed to be received on the day of posting. As such, taxpayers should monitor their online CRA account during the transition period. Requests can only be made by an individual with signing authority, such as an owner, director or legal representative as reflected in CRA’s records.

It is important to ensure that mailing addresses are kept current as undeliverable mail will result in a change back to online mail. In addition, businesses will need to make a new request to activate paper mail every two years.

If paper mail is selected for existing business program accounts and a new account is registered, a new request for paper mail will be required for that account.

Consider whether paper mail or online-only mail is your preferred method of communication with CRA. If you prefer paper mail, ensure to opt out of online mail for all relevant program accounts and monitor your online accounts during the transition period.

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Article originally published in: Tax Tips & Traps 2025 Third Quarter – Issue 151.