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How to fax a document to the CRA
The Canada Revenue Agency often asks for supporting documents after you file: receipts for a review, proof of eligibility for a credit, or a signed consent form. Some of these can be faxed, and faxing is often quicker than mailing when a deadline is close. This guide from fax-online.ca shows how to confirm that the CRA will accept your document by fax and how to send it so it reaches the right person.
Get Started NowFind out whether the CRA accepts fax for your request
The CRA uses many different fax numbers depending on the program, the tax centre and the type of request, and many are not published as general contact numbers. When a CRA letter asks for documents and allows fax, it normally prints the fax number on the letter itself. Use that number.
If your letter gives no fax number, check the CRA's current instructions for that request on canada.ca. For many requests, the CRA prefers that you upload documents through My Account, Represent a Client or My Business Account. If you are unsure, call the number on your letter rather than guessing a fax line.
Label everything before you scan
Documents arriving at a tax centre are matched to taxpayers by identifiers, so clear labelling avoids a second request.
- Include a copy of the first page of the CRA letter if the letter asks you to, or note its reference or case number
- Put your name and social insurance number or business number where the letter asks for it
- Group receipts by category and in the order the letter lists them
- Number the pages, for example 1 of 12, so a missing page is obvious
- Keep originals; the CRA may ask for them later
Send your documents online
fax-online.ca uses FaxToFax.com to send faxes from a browser. You can fax from a laptop at home or a phone without buying a fax machine.
- Scan the letter page and supporting documents into one PDF in the order you want them read.
- Sign in with your email address and the one-time code.
- Start a new fax and upload the PDF.
- Build a cover page with your name, the reference number from the letter, the total pages and a phone number where the CRA can reach you.
- Type the fax number from your letter and confirm it before sending.
- Send, then check that the status changes to Delivered.
Track it and keep a record
Every delivered fax has a time-stamped delivery receipt. Save it with your tax records for the year in question. If a review is marked as unanswered, the receipt shows when the documents arrived at the CRA's fax line.
Large faxes to busy lines sometimes fail partway; failed faxes use no pages, so you can resend without paying twice for the attempt. If your documents run to dozens of pages, sending them in two or three labelled batches can be more reliable, but say so on each cover page, for example Part 1 of 3.
How to Fax a Document to the CRA: questions
Where do I find the CRA fax number?
On the letter the CRA sent you, or in the CRA's current instructions for that specific request on canada.ca. The CRA does not use one general fax number, so do not use a number from a forum or an old letter.
Can a representative fax documents for me?
An authorised representative can usually send documents on your behalf if they are authorised for your account. Check the CRA's current rules for representatives before sending.
Should I fax or upload through My Account?
If the CRA letter offers an online upload option, that is usually its preferred method. Fax is useful when it is listed as an option and you do not have online access set up.
How do I prove I met a deadline?
Keep the time-stamped delivery receipt saved with the delivered fax. It records the date and time the fax was delivered, which you can quote if the CRA has no record of receiving it.
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