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Understanding the CRA Contact Channels: Where Will They Call From?

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) interacts with millions of Canadians every year. For both routine matters, such as tax questions, and more specific issues, the CRA may call you. But where do these calls originate from? Knowing this information is critical, particularly with the spate of scam calls pretending to be CRA officials. This article will help you gain more clarity on this topic by discussing the options via which the CRA may contact you such as a website option, mobile app, or through a call centre.

1. CRA Website

The most vital digital platform offered by CRA is its official website. The website has a vast array of tools and services that Canadians can leverage to manage their tax-related issues.

For instance, you can access your account information and make payments. The CRA website is always the source of authentic communications from the CRA. It uses the URL "www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html". Any other website should be regarded with suspicion.

Additionally, please note that the CRA will never ask for personal or financial information via emails, text messages or clicking on a link. These are scam tactics. Authentic contact uses secure routes and the MyCRA online portal.

2. CRA Mobile App

The Canada Revenue Agency also provides a mobile app named MyCRA. It's designed to deliver its services conveniently to your smartphone or tablet. It's free to download from both the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android. The app allows users to track their refund, view or change their return, check their benefit and credit payments, view their RRSP limit, set up direct deposit, and much more.

One significant advantage of this application is that it's designed with user safety in mind; your data is password-protected and enshrined in secure coding. However, remember that the CRA will not contact you through the Mobile App asking for personal information.

3. CRA Call Centre

Another way the CRA may contact you is via a call from the CRA call centre. Please note that CRA employees are directed not to leave personal information of any sort on your answering machine. When communicating with the CRA by phone, the employee should always provide their name, employee ID number, and your account number.

The main phone number for the CRA is 1-800-959-8281 for calls within Canada and the United States. If you are calling from outside these countries, you can reach the CRA at 613-940-8496.

Please note, the CRA will not threaten or use aggressive language or send the police. They will also not demand immediate payment by Interac e-transfer, bitcoin, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards from retailers such as iTunes

Now you are wiser and better equipped to differentiate between real CRA contact and scams pretending to be CRA officials. Always remember if you ever doubt a call, email, or message, err on the side of caution, and contact CRA directly via their publicly listed info. Be smart, be safe!