CRA Direct Deposit Enrolment
Set up or update direct deposit so the CRA pays your refunds and benefits straight into your bank account.
Opens a fillable version in your browser. Free, no account, and free to download. This is a helper, not the official form.
About CRA Direct Deposit Enrolment
Direct deposit lets the Canada Revenue Agency pay money into your Canadian bank account instead of mailing a cheque. It covers income tax refunds and benefit payments such as the Canada child benefit and the GST/HST credit, so the money arrives faster and cannot be lost in the mail. Many people enrol or update their details through CRA My Account or through their own financial institution, and there is also a paper Canada direct deposit enrolment form for those who prefer to mail it in.
You provide your bank branch and account details along with the number that identifies you to the CRA, which is your social insurance number for individuals or your business number for a business. This page is a free fillable helper and a general guide, not tax or legal advice. Always download and file the current official form from the CRA, and if you mail the paper form, send it to the address printed on the form.
Who needs to complete it
- Individuals who want tax refunds and benefit payments deposited into a Canadian bank account.
- People who receive the Canada child benefit, GST/HST credit, or other CRA benefits.
- Anyone who has changed banks or account numbers and needs to update their details.
- Businesses that want CRA payments deposited to a business bank account.
How to fill out CRA Direct Deposit Enrolment
- 1Choose how you want to enrol, since many people can do this in CRA My Account or through their financial institution instead of on paper.
- 2If you use the paper form, download the current Canada direct deposit enrolment form from the CRA.
- 3Enter your legal name exactly as the CRA has it on file.
- 4Enter the number that identifies you to the CRA, which is your social insurance number for an individual or your business number for a business.
- 5Find your branch (transit) number, institution number, and account number on a cheque or from your online banking, then copy them onto the form.
- 6Double check each banking number, since one wrong digit can send your payment to the wrong account or delay it.
- 7Indicate which payments you want deposited, such as your tax refund and benefit payments.
- 8Sign and date the form to confirm the details are correct.
- 9Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form, or submit your details through CRA My Account or your bank if you prefer not to mail it.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use the paper form?
No. Many people set up or update direct deposit in CRA My Account or through their own financial institution. The paper form is one option, and if you use it you mail it to the address printed on the form.
Which banking numbers do I need?
You need your branch or transit number, your institution number, and your account number. You can find all three on a cheque or in your online banking.
What payments can go by direct deposit?
Direct deposit can be used for your income tax refund and for benefit payments such as the Canada child benefit and the GST/HST credit.
Do individuals and businesses use the same identifier?
No. An individual gives their social insurance number, while a business gives its business number. Use the one that matches the account you are enrolling.
How long does it take to start?
Processing times vary. Sign up well before a payment is due so your details are on file, and keep receiving cheques until the deposits begin.
Is this the official CRA form?
This is a general helper and a free fillable guide. Always download and file the current official form from the CRA, and send any paper form to the address printed on it.