How the Canada Post Strike Impacts Your Taxes & Communication With the CRA

The recent Canada Post strike is creating ripple effects far beyond just delayed parcels — for many Canadians, it directly impacts how they receive tax communications, notices, or refunds from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you need to communicate with the CRA, or receive payments from them, here’s what you need to know and how to stay ahead during the disruption.

What the CRA says (and what it means for you)

On September 25, 2025, Canada Post began labour action, resulting in interruptions to postal services nationwide. During this disruption, the CRA acknowledges:

• Notices, forms, letters (non-urgent) may not be mailed or delivered. 
• Cheques (including tax refunds and other payments) issued by the CRA continue, but those that cannot be delivered will be held securely until mail delivery resumes. 
• Only a few crucial benefit cheques — such as Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and related provincial/territorial programs — have been prioritized for delivery (set for October 17, 2025). 
• Paper-based payments and remittances are at risk of delay. 

Given all of that, the CRA is strongly encouraging people and businesses to go digital wherever possible.

How this affects everyday taxpayers

Delays in receiving notices or refunds

If you’re waiting for a Notice of Assessment, reassessment, or other CRA letter, it might not arrive by mail as usual. In cases where you’re registered online and set your communication preferences to “electronic mail,” you can access many notices in your My Account or My Business Account. 

Similarly, if you’re expecting a refund issued by cheque, it might be delayed if Canada Post is unavailable — though your refund will still be processed and securely held until mail resumes. 

Risk of interest or penalties

If you traditionally mail in your payments or use paper remittance vouchers, disruptions could cause payments to arrive late, leading to interest or penalties. The CRA therefore urges that all payments and remittances be made electronically when possible. 

Appeals, objections, audits, and submissions

Need to submit an objection, dispute, or other tax documents? The CRA will rely more heavily on My Accounts, phone, or other digital channels. In rare cases, drop boxes at CRA offices might be used (though there’s no walk-in counter service). 

For audits, expect communications via telephone or your CRA digital accounts rather than mailed letter.

Actions you can take now

1. Sign up (or log in) for CRA digital services

If you haven’t already, register for My Account or My Business Account on the CRA website. (Learn more about how to use My Account in our TurboTax article). Set your correspondence preference to “electronic mail” so you’ll get notices online rather than relying on postal delivery.

2. Opt into direct deposit

By choosing direct deposit for refunds, benefits, and credits, you ensure payments land in your bank account on schedule — regardless of mail delays.

3. Make payments electronically

Use CRA’s online payment services or your financial institution’s electronic transfer options. Even if your payment update doesn’t reflect immediately in your CRA account (due to system delays), your payment is accepted based on the date stamped by your bank. 

4. Consider penalty/interest relief if needed

If you are unable to keep up with deadlines because of postal disruption (or other circumstances beyond your control), the CRA may cancel or waive penalties and interest in certain cases.  Don’t wait — reach out via your CRA digital account or phone early if you foresee issues.

5. Use drop boxes for forms if needed

If mailing isn’t possible and your area has a CRA drop box, you may physically deliver documents (but no walk-in counters). Check the CRA’s drop box webpage to see if there’s one near you. 

The Canada Post strike creates real inconveniences for tax communications and payments, but you can mitigate almost all of the impact by switching to CRA’s digital services now — signing into My Account, choosing electronic correspondence, using direct deposit, and paying/remitting online. If you foresee problems because of the postal disruption, don’t wait to reach out; the CRA may provide relief when delays are beyond your control. Stay proactive, stay connected, and you’ll help ensure your tax affairs stay on track despite the mail slowdown.

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