If you’re a Canadian living abroad or traveling internationally, you may still need to contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — whether it’s about your personal taxes, benefits, or business filings. But reaching the CRA from outside Canada can be confusing, especially since many of their contact numbers are toll-free and don’t work internationally.
Here’s what’s changed recently, why people are searching for new options, and how you can reliably call the CRA from abroad today.
Why People Call the CRA from Abroad
Whether you’re a Canadian expat, digital nomad, or just away on vacation, here are common reasons you may need to call the CRA while outside the country:
- To check the status of your tax refund
- To resolve an issue with My Account
- To report or correct income or benefit information
- To get help with Canada child benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credits
- To ask questions about non-residency status or departure tax
- To clarify business filings if you’re running a Canadian company remotely
What’s the Problem?
Most CRA numbers, like 1-800-959-8281 (individual tax inquiries), are toll-free numbers, which typically:
- Can’t be dialed from international phone numbers
- Fail to connect through mobile carriers outside Canada
- Drop after 60 minutes when called using Skype or most VoIP apps
Until recently, many Canadians abroad used Skype, which allowed calling toll-free numbers for free. But as of May 2024, Skype discontinued free 1-800 calling in Canada and the U.S. That left many people without a reliable or affordable way to reach government offices.
How to Call the CRA from Outside Canada
Fortunately, the CRA provides alternative numbers for international callers:
- CRA Individual Inquiries (from outside Canada):
+1-613-940-8495(not toll-free)
Open: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time), closed on holidays - CRA Business Inquiries (international):
+1-613-940-8588
Same hours as above
Tip: You must use this number if you’re calling from outside Canada. Don’t use 1-800 numbers — they won’t work.
But here’s the catch: these international numbers are not toll-free, and depending on your location, calling Canada could cost you several dollars per minute. If the hold time is 90 minutes or longer — which is not uncommon — that’s a pricey call.
A Better Way to Call CRA: Use Connect-EZ
If you’re looking for a reliable, long-duration alternative to Skype or mobile calling, Connect-EZ’s toll free calling service is built for this exact scenario.
Why Connect-EZ works better:
- Call Canadian government numbers (toll-free or regular) from any country
- No 60-minute cutoff — perfect for long CRA hold times
- Works over Wi-Fi or mobile data
- No SIM, no app — use your browser to start the call
- Ideal for Canadians abroad trying to reach the CRA from a hotel, co-working space, or temporary residence
Whether you need to update your tax info or speak with a CRA agent about a benefit delay, Connect-EZ keeps your call stable and connected — no matter how long the hold time.
Related Numbers and Services
- CRA Individual International:
+1-613-940-8495 - CRA Business International:
+1-613-940-8588 - Canada Child Benefit (within Canada only):
1-800-387-1193(Use Connect-EZ to access this from abroad)
Final Tip
Keep your Social Insurance Number (SIN) handy and be prepared to verify your identity. CRA agents may also ask for your mailing address and recent tax filing details.