As of May 2022, there were an estimated 8.9 million uncashed cheques with the CRA, averaging $158 per cheque. These uncashed cheques often result from individuals misplacing them, changing addresses without updating the CRA, or simply forgetting about them.
The good news is that government-issued cheques never expire, so even if you find one from decades ago, you can still cash it. This article will guide you on how to check if you’re owed money from the CRA and how to claim it.
Understanding Uncashed CRA Cheques
The CRA issues various payments, including tax refunds, credits, and benefits. These payments can be issued by direct deposit or by cheque. Over time, payments can remain uncashed for various reasons, such as the taxpayer misplacing the cheque or even a change of address which did not allow for delivery.
How to Check for Uncashed Cheques
Online via My Account:
- Sign In: Log in to your CRA My Account.
- Navigate: On the main “Overview” page, click on the “Uncashed cheques” section on the right-hand side.
- Review: You’ll see a list of uncashed cheques issued to you, some dating back as far as 1998.
- Action: If you find unclaimed funds, you can download, print, fill out, and send back the pre-filled form on that page to have your cheque reissued or deposited into your bank account.
By Phone:
- For Uncashed Cheques Less Than Six Months Old: Call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.
- For Business or Trust Cheques: Contact the CRA’s business inquiries line.
| Payment Type | Abbreviation on Cheque or Statement |
|---|---|
| Alberta Child Benefit | ACB-PEA |
| Alberta Climate Leadership Adjustment Rebate | ACLAR-RLCA |
| Alberta Energy Tax Refund | AETR-RTEA |
| Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit | AFETC-CIEFA |
| Canada Child Benefit (formerly CCTB) | CCB-ACE |
| Canada Worker’s Benefit (formerly WITB) | CWB-ACT |
| Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit | GST/HSTC-CTPS/TVH |
| Ontario Child Benefit | OCB-POE |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (formerly OSTC) | OTB-PTO |
| Saskatchewan Child Benefit | SCB-PPES |
What to Do If You Have Uncashed Cheques
- Damaged Cheques: If you have a damaged cheque, you can still cash it at any financial institution in Canada for no charge. Government of Canada cheques never expire. Canada
- Lost or Stolen Cheques: If your cheque is lost or stolen, contact the CRA immediately to request a replacement.
- Uncashed Cheques of a Deceased Person: If the cheque was issued to someone who has passed away, contact the CRA for guidance on how to proceed.
Benefits of Registering for Direct Deposit
Consider registering for direct deposit through your CRA My Account to ensure you receive future payments promptly and securely. This service allows payments to be deposited directly into your bank account, reducing the risk of lost or delayed cheques.
Conclusion
Uncashed cheques and unclaimed payments from the CRA are more common than you might think. By regularly checking your CRA My Account and keeping your contact information up to date, you can ensure that any funds owed to you are received promptly. Remember, government-issued cheques never expire, so even if you find one from years ago, you can still cash it.
FAQs
How can I find out if I have uncashed cheques with the CRA?
Log in to your CRA My Account and navigate to the “Uncashed cheques” section to see if you have any uncashed cheques.
What should I do if I find an uncashed cheque from the CRA?
Download and complete the pre-filled form available in your My Account to request a replacement cheque or direct deposit.
Can I still cash an old CRA cheque?
Yes, government-issued cheques never expire, so you can cash them at any financial institution in Canada.
