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How to Set Up Direct Deposit with the CRA – A Step-by-Step Guide

Writer: Anamika BiswasAnamika Biswas
2 min read
Setting up CRA Direct Deposit is simple and secure—manage your tax payments and refunds with ease from your laptop or mobile device.
Setting up CRA Direct Deposit is simple and secure—manage your tax payments and refunds with ease from your laptop or mobile device.

At Cloud Accounting & Tax Services Inc., we believe in empowering our clients with clear, step-by-step guidance. One of the most common questions we receive is:

“How do I set up direct deposit with the CRA?”

It’s a smart move to do so—direct deposit ensures that your tax refunds, GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and other government payments reach you quickly, securely, and directly into your bank account.


✅ Important: You Must Do It Yourself

As your trusted accountants, we’re here to help—but we cannot set up direct deposit on your behalf. The CRA requires the individual taxpayer to authorize and submit direct deposit information.

You can only authorize someone else if:

  • You’re present on a CRA call and provide verbal consent, or

  • You’ve legally appointed someone (Power of Attorney) and registered them with the CRA.


🔧 4 Easy Ways to Set Up Direct Deposit with CRA


1. Online via CRA My Account (Fastest)

Steps:

  1. Go to CRA My Account

  2. Log in with your CRA user ID, GCKey, or your banking login (Sign-In Partner)

  3. Click “Profile” > “Direct Deposit”

  4. Enter your banking info:

    • Institution Number (e.g. 001)

    • Transit Number (e.g. 12345)

    • Account Number

  5. Confirm and submit.

🕒 Processing Time: 1–2 business days


2. Through Your Financial Institution

Most Canadian banks and credit unions let you link CRA payments via online banking.

Steps:

  1. Sign in to your online banking

  2. Look for “CRA Direct Deposit” in the menu

  3. Provide your SIN and confirm your bank info

🕒 Processing Time: Within 1 business day


3. By Phone

Prefer to speak to someone?

📞 Call CRA: 1-800-959-8281

Have the following ready:

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)

  • Full name, DOB, and address

  • A recent tax document (e.g. Notice of Assessment)

  • Bank account information

🕒 Processing Time: 5–10 business days


4. By Mail (Paper Form)

Download and complete the official CRA Direct Deposit Enrolment Form.

Mail it to:

Receiver General for Canada  
Direct Deposit Program  
PO Box 5000  
Matane, QC G4W 4R6

🕒 Processing Time: 10–15 business days


💬 Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you’re unsure how to find your banking information, access CRA My Account, or complete the paper form, Cloud Accounting & Tax Services Inc. is just an email away. While we can’t submit the form for you, we’ll gladly help you through the process.


📌 Stay Connected

Have more questions about tax refunds, benefit payments, or CRA correspondence?


📚 References

 
 
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