How to Contact the CRA for Payroll Support

CRA business contact numbers

Use Business Enquiries for payroll deductions (RP accounts), GST/HST, corporate income tax, and BN registration. Payroll questions are handled on the same line as other business accounts.

Hours of service

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. local time
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. local time
• Closed Sunday and statutory holidays

How to skip the long wait time

CRA wait times routinely exceed an hour during peak periods. These small adjustments usually get you through faster:

• Call Tuesday–Thursday at 8:00 a.m. local time. Mondays and the days around the 15th of each month are the busiest.
• Avoid the last week of the month. Remittance deadlines flood the line.
• Use the automated self-service line at 1-800-267-6999 for balances, remittance confirmations, and ordering forms.
• Sign in to My Business Account — most payroll questions (statement of account, PD7A history, filing T4s, ROE Web) don't require a phone call at all.
• Request a callback when the automated system offers one instead of waiting on hold.

What to have ready before you call

CRA agents will not discuss the account until they verify your identity. Have these on hand to avoid being asked to call back:

• Your 15-character payroll program account (e.g. 123456789RP0001)
• Business number (BN) and exact legal business name
• Your most recent PD7A statement or remittance voucher
• Owner's full name, date of birth, and address on file
• If you're a bookkeeper or accountant: a valid RC59 authorization on file
• A specific question or reference number — open-ended calls get bounced

Common payroll reasons to call the CRA

• Register or close a payroll (RP) account
• Reconcile a PD7A that doesn't match your remittance
• Resolve a CPP, EI, or income tax discrepancy on a T4
• Request relief from penalties or interest on late remittances
• Change remittance frequency (regular, quarterly, accelerated)
• Confirm a T4 / T4 Summary was received
• Set up a payment arrangement for arrears

Alternatives to calling

• My Business Account — view PD7A, file T4s, send secure messages to the CRA (usually answered in 10 business days).
• Represent a Client — for bookkeepers and CPAs acting on the employer's behalf.
• ROE Web via Service Canada for Records of Employment.
• Canadian Payroll handles CRA remittances, T4 filing, and ROEs automatically so most calls become unnecessary. See features.