CRA payment arrangement: how to pay a tax debt over time
Quick summary
If you cannot pay your tax debt in full, the CRA lets you pay over time with a payment arrangement. You can set one up online in My Account or by phone. Interest on overdue amounts is 7% for October to December 2026, and the CRA page does not say whether interest keeps building during an arrangement. Seewhat debt collectors can and cannot do for other debts.
Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: CRA: Arrange to pay your debt over time (modified Oct. 27, 2026). See all 2 sources.
Key facts
- Overdue tax rate, Oct. to Dec. 2026
- 7%
- Source: CRA, modified Aug. 28, 2026
- Set up online
- My Account, then Proceed to pay, then Schedule a series of payments
- Source: CRA, modified Oct. 27, 2026
- By phone
- 1-866-256-1147 for personal income tax debt, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 10 pm ET
- Source: CRA, modified Oct. 27, 2026
- Not stated
- Whether interest keeps building during an arrangement. Ask the CRA
- Source: CRA, modified Oct. 27, 2026
How to set one up
| Way | What the CRA says |
|---|---|
| Online, My Account (individuals) | For eligible debts such as personal income tax. Sign in, select Proceed to pay, then Schedule a series of payments, and set up a pre-authorized debit (PAD) agreement. It starts when your first scheduled payment is withdrawn |
| Online, My Business Account | For eligible business debts such as corporate income tax, payroll deductions and GST/HST |
| By phone | Needed for any other type of debt or overpayment. Use the number on your notice, or the TeleArrangement line 1-866-256-1147 for personal income tax debt only (Monday to Friday, 7 am to 10 pm ET, closed weekends and public holidays) |
To start the arrangement you must make your first payment toward the debt. Source: CRA, modified October 27, 2026.
What to have ready for a phone call
- Your SIN, or your business number.
- Your full name and date of birth, or your business name.
- Your full address.
- An assessed return, a notice of assessment or reassessment, or other tax document. Or sign in to My Account first.
- A plan of what you can afford. The CRA has a personal income and expense worksheet for this.
The rules you must follow
- Make every payment on the agreed date.
- File all future returns on time and stay current.
- The CRA may review your arrangement from time to time.
- If you cannot make a payment, call the CRA to change the plan. If you pay less than agreed without changing it, the CRA may take legal action to collect.
- Other federal payments you get, such as benefits and credits, may still be applied to your debt.
Interest
The CRA's prescribed rate on overdue taxes and other amounts owed is 7% for October 1 to December 31, 2026. The rate for refunds is 5% for people and 3% for corporations. The rate page does not say whether interest compounds. The arrangement page does not say whether interest keeps building while you pay, so ask the CRA when you set it up.
Source: CRA prescribed interest rates, Q4 2026, modified August 28, 2026.
Questions people ask
Can I pay my CRA debt in instalments?
Yes. The CRA offers payment arrangements for eligible debts, online or by phone.
What is the CRA interest rate in late 2026?
7% on overdue amounts for October to December 2026, according to the CRA.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Call the CRA to change the arrangement. If you pay less than agreed without changing it, the CRA may take legal action to collect.
Can the CRA use my refund or benefits?
The CRA says other federal payments you receive, such as benefits and credits, may still be applied to your debt.
Does your province have its own rules?
Provincial income tax, credits and sales tax add to the federal amounts. Pick yours to see where to look. We remember your choice on this device only.