Independent · Canadian rules and data only · Reviewed November 3, 2026

    4 min
    Taxes

    How a CRA payment arrangement works

    Quick summary

    A payment arrangement lets you pay a tax debt over time. You can set up some arrangements in My Account, or call TeleArrangement at 1-866-256-1147 for personal income tax. If you cannot keep up, seeyour other options.

    Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: CRA: Arrange to pay your debt over time (modified Oct. 27, 2026). See all 1 source.

    How to set one up

    • Online: sign in to My Account, choose Proceed to pay, then Schedule a series of payments. This sets up pre-authorized debit. Online scheduling works only for certain debt types.
    • Automated phone line for personal income tax: TeleArrangement, 1-866-256-1147, Monday to Friday 7 am to 10 pm Eastern.
    • With an agent: call the number on your CRA notice.

    Have these ready

    • Your SIN, full name, and date of birth.
    • Your address.
    • A recent tax document, or your account sign-in.

    The rules you must follow

    • Make your first payment to start the arrangement.
    • Pay on the agreed dates.
    • File all future returns on time.
    • Call the CRA before you pay less than agreed. If you pay less without changing the plan, the CRA may take legal action.
    • The CRA may review the plan from time to time.
    • Federal benefits and credits you are owed may still be applied to your debt.

    What about interest?

    The CRA page does not say whether interest stops during an arrangement. Plan as if it continues, and ask the CRA to confirm.

    Free help

    • CRA Non-Filer helpline: 1-800-448-0444, Monday to Friday, 6:45 am to 7:30 pm Eastern.
    • CRA TeleArrangement for personal income tax debt: 1-866-256-1147, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 10 pm Eastern.
    • Free tax clinics for simple returns if your income is modest.
    • A Licensed Insolvency Trustee, who may offer a free first meeting.

    Questions people ask

    Does interest stop on a CRA payment plan?

    The CRA page does not say. Ask the CRA, and plan as if interest continues.

    Can the CRA keep my refund during a payment plan?

    The CRA says federal benefit and credit payments you receive may be applied to your debt, even during an arrangement.

    What phone number do I call for a payment plan?

    For personal income tax, the automated TeleArrangement line is 1-866-256-1147. For an agent, call the number on your notice.