If your business still makes tax or other bill payments at the bank using paper remittance forms, there’s an upcoming change you’ll want to be aware of.
Beginning December 1, 2026, financial institutions across Canada will no longer accept paper-based remittance forms for most bill payments as part of updates to Payments Canada’s bill payment framework.
While this change affects many paper-based payments, it doesn’t apply the same way to every tax authority. Understanding the differences can help your business avoid unnecessary delays and choose the most efficient way to make your payments.
Does This Affect CRA Payments?
Not immediately. According to CPA Canada, the CRA has advised that CRA tax payments are currently expected to remain an exception to these changes. Businesses should still be able to make CRA payments at participating financial institutions using an official CRA paper remittance voucher.
However, these remittance vouchers aren’t available at the bank. They must be requested from the CRA and mailed to the taxpayer, which can take time. The CRA has also indicated that this exception may change in the future and has committed to providing advance notice if it does.
It’s also worth noting that the CRA no longer has a payment drop box in Edmonton. If paying by cheque, businesses must mail their payment directly to the CRA using the appropriate mailing address for the type of payment being made.
Alberta Tax & Revenue Payments
If your business makes payments to Alberta Tax & Revenue, the process is different. Beginning December 1, 2026, Alberta Tax & Revenue paper remittance forms will no longer be accepted at financial institutions. Businesses paying by cheque can continue using the Edmonton drop box or arrange courier delivery. Because payment requirements differ between tax authorities, businesses should confirm the appropriate payment process before submitting a payment.
Why Review Your Payment Process
Although paper payment options remain available in some situations, the overall trend is moving toward electronic payments. If your business still relies on paper remittance forms, now is a good time to review how you make your tax payments.
Making payments online can help reduce delays associated with requesting paper remittance vouchers, eliminate unnecessary trips to the bank, and simplify payment processing as more payment services move online.
Questions to Consider
As you review your current payment process, consider:
- Are we using the most efficient payment method for each tax authority?
- Could our tax payments be made online instead?
- Are our current payment processes prepared for future changes?
Reviewing your payment process today can help reduce confusion and avoid last-minute changes as payment requirements continue to evolve.
For more information, see:
Accounting and Advisory Support for Business Owners
Tax payment requirements continue to change, and the rules aren’t always consistent between tax authorities. If you’re unsure which payment method is right for your business, KWB can help. Book an introductory meeting today.