Keeping your Personal Information with CRA up to date is essential if you want to receive tax refunds, benefit payments, and important notices without delays. Whether you have moved to a new home, changed your bank account, updated your phone number, or experienced a change in your family situation, informing the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) ensures your records remain accurate.
Many Canadians only think about CRA during tax season, but your CRA profile is used throughout the year. It determines where your correspondence is sent, where your direct deposit payments go, and in some cases, how certain government benefits are calculated. If your information is outdated, you may miss important deadlines, experience payment delays, or receive incorrect benefit amounts.
Fortunately, updating your information is usually straightforward. CRA offers several secure methods, including online services, telephone support, and mail for specific requests. Most common updates can be completed within minutes through CRA My Account.
In this guide, you’ll learn what information can be updated, when you should notify CRA, the different ways to make changes, processing times, common mistakes to avoid, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why Keeping Your Personal Information with CRA Updated Matters
Your CRA account contains much more than your tax return history. It stores personal details that help CRA identify you, communicate with you, and deliver various government payments.
Keeping this information current provides several important benefits.
Receive Tax Refunds Without Delays
If your banking information is incorrect, your tax refund could be delayed or deposited into the wrong account. Updating your direct deposit information after changing banks helps ensure payments arrive safely.
Continue Receiving Government Benefits
Many federal benefit programs rely on the information in your CRA account, including:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Carbon Rebate (where applicable)
- Various provincial and territorial benefit payments administered through CRA
Incorrect personal information can interrupt these payments or cause unnecessary delays.
Read More: Old Age Security (OAS) Payment Dates 2026Ensure Important CRA Letters Reach You
CRA sends notices of assessment, review requests, benefit letters, and other important correspondence throughout the year. If your address is outdated, you may never receive these documents, which could result in missed deadlines or additional administrative work.
Protect Your Tax Account
Keeping your phone number and email address current helps CRA verify your identity and notify you when new documents are available in your online account.
Keep Benefit Calculations Accurate
Certain life events, such as marriage, separation, or having children, can affect your eligibility for benefits and tax credits. Reporting these changes promptly helps ensure your payments are calculated correctly.
What Personal Information Can You Update with CRA?
The Canada Revenue Agency allows taxpayers to update several types of personal information.
| Information | Can It Be Updated? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Home Address | Yes | Ensures mail reaches you |
| Mailing Address | Yes | Receives tax notices and correspondence |
| Direct Deposit Information | Yes | Tax refunds and benefits are deposited correctly |
| Phone Number | Yes | Identity verification and contact |
| Email Address | Yes | Account notifications |
| Marital Status | Yes | May affect benefit eligibility |
| Preferred Language | Yes | Determines communication language |
| Legal Name | Yes (with documentation) | Keeps tax records accurate |
| Authorized Representative | Yes | Allows someone else to deal with CRA on your behalf |
Some updates require only a few minutes, while others may require additional verification or supporting documents.
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You should notify CRA whenever important personal information changes.
Some of the most common situations include:
- Moving to a new residence
- Changing your mailing address
- Opening a new bank account
- Closing your previous bank account
- Getting married
- Entering a common-law relationship
- Separating or divorcing
- Legally changing your name
- Updating your phone number
- Changing your email address
- Authorizing a tax professional to act for you
The sooner you update your records, the less likely you are to experience payment delays or missed correspondence.
Ways to Update Your Personal Information with CRA
CRA provides several secure methods for updating personal information. The best option depends on the type of change you’re making.
1. Update Through CRA My Account
For most Canadians, CRA My Account is the fastest and most convenient method.
After signing in securely, you can update many personal details without contacting CRA directly.
Common updates available online include:
- Mailing address
- Residential address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Direct deposit information
- Marital status
- Preferred language
Updating your information online is generally faster than mailing forms or waiting on the phone.
Benefits of Using CRA My Account
Using the online portal allows you to:
- Access your account 24 hours a day
- View previous tax returns
- Check benefit payments
- Update personal details securely
- Track notices from CRA
- Manage direct deposit information
Because the information is submitted electronically, processing often begins sooner than paper requests.
2. Update by Telephone
Some taxpayers prefer speaking directly with a CRA representative.
This option may be useful if:
- You cannot access CRA My Account.
- You have questions about the update.
- Additional identity verification is required.
- You need assistance completing a change.
Before calling, have the following information available:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Previous tax return information
- Banking details if updating direct deposit
CRA representatives will ask security questions before making changes to protect your account.
3. Update by Mail
Certain requests require written documentation.
Examples include:
- Legal name changes
- Corrections involving supporting evidence
- Requests requiring signed documents
Mail processing generally takes longer than online submissions because documents must be reviewed manually.
Always send copies rather than original documents unless CRA specifically requests otherwise.
4. Through an Authorized Representative
If you work with an accountant, tax preparer, or financial advisor, you may authorize them to manage certain aspects of your CRA account.
Once authorized, they may be able to:
- View tax information
- Communicate with CRA
- Submit certain updates
- Help resolve account issues
This option is particularly useful for individuals with complex tax situations or those who prefer professional assistance.
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Moving is one of the most common reasons Canadians update their CRA records.
Updating your address promptly helps ensure future correspondence is sent to the correct location and reduces the risk of missing important notices.
Information You’ll Need
Before updating your address, gather:
- Your current address
- Your new address
- The date you moved
- Your Social Insurance Number
- Identity verification information
If updating online, you’ll simply follow the prompts inside CRA My Account.
Step-by-Step Example
Suppose David recently moved from Vancouver to Edmonton after accepting a new job.
He signs into CRA My Account and:
- Opens his personal profile.
- Selects the address update option.
- Enters his new residential address.
- Updates his mailing address if different.
- Confirms the date he moved.
- Reviews the information before submitting.
Once processed, future CRA correspondence will be mailed to his new address.
Updating the address soon after moving reduces the chance of missing tax notices or benefit letters.
Updating Your Banking Information
Direct deposit has become the preferred payment method for most Canadians because it is faster and more secure than mailed cheques.
If your banking information changes, updating CRA should be one of your first financial tasks.
Why Banking Information Matters
CRA uses your banking details to deposit:
- Income tax refunds
- GST/HST Credit payments
- Canada Child Benefit
- Canada Carbon Rebate payments
- Other eligible federal and provincial benefits
If your previous account has been closed, payments may be rejected or delayed until updated banking information is provided.
Visit Now: MauricetteCalculetteInformation You’ll Need
Most financial institutions provide the following details:
- Institution number
- Transit number
- Account number
You can usually find this information on a cheque, online banking portal, or through your bank’s mobile app.
Example
Emily recently switched from one bank to another because of lower monthly fees.
Before closing her old account, she logged into CRA My Account and updated her direct deposit information.
As a result, her next GST/HST Credit payment was deposited into the correct account without interruption.
Updating your banking information before closing your old account helps avoid unnecessary payment delays.
Updating Your Marital Status with CRA
Your marital status is more than just a personal detail. It can directly affect your eligibility for several federal and provincial benefit programs. If your relationship status changes, you should update CRA as soon as possible to ensure your benefit payments are calculated correctly.
You should report changes if you:
- Get married
- Enter a common-law relationship
- Separate from your spouse or partner
- Get divorced
- Become widowed
For many benefits, CRA uses your adjusted family net income to determine how much you receive. If your marital status is incorrect, you could receive too much or too little in benefits.
Why It Matters
Some benefits that may be affected include:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Workers Benefit
- Various provincial and territorial benefit programs
Updating your marital status promptly helps avoid overpayments that may need to be repaid later.
Example
James and Olivia got married in July. James continued receiving benefits based on his previous single status because he forgot to update CRA. After reviewing his account, CRA recalculated his benefit entitlement using their combined family income. Since he had received more than he was entitled to, part of the overpayment had to be repaid.
Reporting changes promptly helps prevent situations like this.
Updating Your Phone Number and Email Address
Although changing your contact information may seem like a minor task, it plays an important role in protecting your CRA account.
Your phone number may be used during identity verification, while your email address allows CRA to notify you when new correspondence is available online.
Keeping this information current also makes it easier to recover access to your account if needed.
Benefits of Updating Contact Information
Updating your contact details helps you:
- Receive important account notifications.
- Complete identity verification more easily.
- Stay informed about new notices or messages.
- Reduce the risk of missing important deadlines.
Remember that CRA generally sends email notifications, not confidential tax information directly by email.
How to Change Your Legal Name
If your legal name changes, you should ensure your CRA records are updated accordingly.
Common reasons include:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Legal name change
- Court order
- Correction of personal records
Unlike updating an address or phone number, changing your legal name may require supporting documentation to verify the request.
Examples of acceptable documentation may include government-issued identification or legal name change documents, depending on your circumstances.
Before submitting a request, review CRA’s current requirements to ensure you provide the correct documentation.
Updating Your Information After Moving to Another Province
Many Canadians relocate for employment, education, or family reasons. If you move from one province or territory to another, updating your address is particularly important.
While your mailing address determines where CRA sends correspondence, your province or territory of residence can influence:
- Provincial income tax calculations
- Provincial tax credits
- Some provincial benefit programs
Example
Sophia moved from Ontario to Alberta during the year.
After updating her address with CRA, her future tax assessments reflected her new province of residence based on the applicable tax rules.
Keeping your provincial information current helps ensure future tax calculations are accurate.
What Happens After You Submit an Update?
Once your request has been submitted, the CRA begins processing the change.
The exact timeline depends on several factors, including:
- The type of information being updated.
- Whether supporting documents are required.
- The submission method.
- Seasonal workload during tax filing periods.
Simple updates submitted online are generally processed much faster than paper requests.
If additional verification is required, CRA may contact you before completing the update.
Estimated Processing Times
The following table provides a general overview of typical processing expectations.
| Update Type | Typical Submission Method | Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Address | Online | Usually within a few business days |
| Phone Number | Online | Usually within a few business days |
| Email Address | Online | Usually within a few business days |
| Direct Deposit | Online | Often processed quickly before future payments |
| Marital Status | Online or by phone | May vary depending on circumstances |
| Legal Name | Documentation required | Usually longer due to verification |
Processing times may vary during busy tax filing seasons.
How to Check Whether Your Update Was Successful
After submitting changes, it’s a good idea to verify that your account has been updated correctly.
You can:
- Sign in to CRA My Account.
- Review your personal profile.
- Confirm your new address or banking information.
- Check your direct deposit details.
- Review your contact information.
If the changes do not appear after a reasonable period, contact CRA for assistance.
Security Tips When Updating Your CRA Information
Because your CRA account contains sensitive financial information, protecting it should be a priority.
Follow these best practices:
- Use a strong, unique password.
- Enable multi-factor authentication if available.
- Never share your CRA login credentials.
- Only access your account using trusted devices.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi when making account changes.
- Watch for phishing emails pretending to be from CRA.
CRA will never ask for sensitive personal information through unsolicited emails or text messages.
If you receive suspicious communications, verify them through your official CRA account before responding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many taxpayers unintentionally delay refunds or benefit payments by making avoidable mistakes.
Some of the most common include:
Waiting Too Long to Report Changes
Updating your information months after moving or changing banks can delay payments.
Entering Incorrect Banking Details
Even a single incorrect digit in your account number could prevent direct deposit from being completed.
Always review your banking information carefully before submitting it.
Forgetting to Update Both Addresses
Some taxpayers only update their residential address while leaving their mailing address unchanged.
If these addresses are different, ensure both are accurate.
Ignoring Marital Status Changes
Marriage, separation, and divorce can significantly affect benefit calculations.
Reporting these events promptly helps avoid future payment adjustments.
Closing a Bank Account Too Soon
If you close your previous bank account before updating CRA, scheduled payments may fail.
Whenever possible, update CRA first and wait until future payments are successfully deposited into your new account.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Moving to a New Home
Daniel purchased his first home in Winnipeg.
Immediately after moving, he updated his residential and mailing addresses through CRA My Account.
When his Notice of Assessment was issued later that year, it arrived at his new address without any issues.
Example 2: Switching Banks
Maria changed banks after finding an account with lower monthly fees.
Before closing her old account, she updated her direct deposit information with CRA.
Her income tax refund was deposited into her new account without delay.
Example 3: Marriage
Noah got married in September.
He updated his marital status with CRA shortly afterward.
Because CRA had accurate household information, his future benefit calculations reflected his family’s current financial situation.
Expert Tips
Experienced tax professionals often recommend a few simple habits to keep your CRA account accurate throughout the year.
- Review your CRA profile after filing each annual tax return.
- Update your address immediately after moving.
- Check your direct deposit details whenever you change banks.
- Keep copies of important documents until updates are confirmed.
- Review benefit payments after major life events.
- Log into CRA My Account periodically, even outside tax season.
Small updates made at the right time can prevent larger administrative problems later.
How do I update my Personal Information with CRA?
The easiest option is through CRA My Account. Depending on the type of update, you may also contact CRA by phone, submit documents by mail, or use an authorized representative.
Can I change my address online?
Yes. Most taxpayers can securely update both their residential and mailing addresses through CRA My Account.
How long does it take CRA to process an address change?
Online updates are generally processed within a few business days, although processing times may vary during busy periods.
Can I update my banking information online?
Yes. CRA allows eligible taxpayers to update direct deposit information securely through their online account.
Do I need to report a change in marital status?
Yes. Marriage, separation, divorce, becoming common-law, or the death of a spouse can affect benefit calculations and should be reported promptly.
What happens if I forget to update my information?
Outdated information can delay tax refunds, interrupt benefit payments, or result in important correspondence being sent to the wrong address.
Can my accountant update my information?
If you’ve authorized your accountant or tax professional as your CRA representative, they may be able to update certain information on your behalf.
Does changing my address affect previous tax returns?
No. Updating your address does not change previously filed returns. It simply ensures future correspondence is sent to the correct location.
Will changing my bank account delay my refund?
If you update your banking information before your payment is issued, your refund should normally be deposited into your new account.
How often should I review my CRA profile?
It’s a good practice to review your account at least once a year and after any significant life event.
Is CRA My Account secure?
Yes. CRA uses multiple security measures to protect taxpayer information. You should also use a strong password and keep your login credentials confidential.
Can I update multiple details at the same time?
Yes. If you’ve experienced several life changes, such as moving, changing banks, and updating your phone number, you can usually submit those updates during the same online session.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Personal Information with CRA accurate is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary delays with tax refunds, benefit payments, and official correspondence. Whether you’ve moved to a new address, switched banks, changed your marital status, or updated your contact details, notifying CRA promptly helps ensure your records remain current.
Most updates can be completed quickly through CRA My Account, making it easier to manage your tax information from one secure location. Reviewing your profile regularly, especially after major life events, can help prevent administrative issues and ensure you continue receiving the benefits and services you’re entitled to.
Taking a few minutes to keep your CRA information up to date today can save you time, reduce stress, and help avoid complications in the future.