CRA Has 160 Unclaimed Cheques Over $100K: Did you know that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) currently holds 160 unclaimed cheques each worth over $100,000? In total, there are over $1.7 billion in uncashed CRA payments waiting to be claimed. If that caught your attention, it might be time to log in and check if any of that money belongs to you.
Many Canadians are unaware that they may be owed a significant sum from the government, due to missed or lost cheques. These uncashed cheques stem from tax refunds, benefit payments, and other government disbursements that never made it into the recipients’ hands.
CRA Has 160 Unclaimed Cheques Over $100K
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Unclaimed Cheques Total | Over $1.7 billion |
| Cheques Over $100K | 160 cheques |
| Common Reasons | Address change, lost cheques, unaware recipients, deceased individuals |
| How to Check | CRA My Account > Related Services > Uncashed Cheques |
| Action Steps | Log in, view, and request cheque reissuance |
| Government Cheques Expiry | No expiry; they can be reissued at any time |
| Official Website | CRA My Account |
Unclaimed CRA cheques worth over $1.7 billion are just sitting there—waiting to be claimed. If you’ve ever received benefits or filed taxes in Canada, there’s a chance some of that money is yours. Checking takes less than 10 minutes and could result in a very pleasant surprise.
Be proactive: log into your CRA My Account, verify your payment history, and request any reissues as needed. It’s your money—go get it!
Why Are So Many CRA Cheques Unclaimed?
Let’s face it—life gets busy. You move, misplace mail, forget to update information, or simply don’t realize you’re owed money. Here are the most common reasons why CRA cheques go unclaimed:
1. Address Changes
If you moved and didn’t update your address with the CRA, your cheque could have been mailed to your previous residence.
2. Lost or Misplaced Cheques
It happens to the best of us. Paper cheques can be misplaced, thrown out, or even lost in the mail.
3. Unaware Recipients
Many people don’t even know the CRA owes them money. This often happens with smaller tax refunds or benefit adjustments.
4. Deceased Individuals
In cases where a cheque is issued to someone who has passed away, the estate may need to claim it.
5. Outdated Banking Information
Even those signed up for direct deposit may experience issues if their bank account information has changed without being updated on CRA records.
How to Check for Unclaimed CRA Cheques
Checking for unclaimed cheques is easier than you think. The CRA provides a secure and straightforward platform for this process.
CRA Has 160 Unclaimed Cheques Over $100K Guide:
Step 1: Log in to CRA My Account
Go to the official CRA My Account page: CRA Login. If you don’t have an account, you can register using your SIN and some personal info.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Uncashed Cheques’
Once logged in, look for the “Uncashed Cheques” section under the “Related Services” tab.
Step 3: Review Listed Cheques
Any uncashed payments issued to you will be listed here with details such as amount and issue date.
Step 4: Request a Reissuance
You can request the CRA to reissue any listed cheques. The replacement will be sent either by mail or direct deposit.
Tip:
To avoid this issue in the future, opt for direct deposit through your CRA account. It’s faster, more secure, and minimizes the chance of losing a cheque.
Who Might Be Affected?
This isn’t just about tax refunds. A wide range of government payments may go unclaimed, including:
- GST/HST credits
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Climate Action Incentive
- Provincial/Territorial benefits
- COVID-19 relief payments
If you’ve received any benefits or filed taxes in the last 10–15 years, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check your account.
What to Do If You Find an Uncashed Cheque
If your CRA account shows an uncashed cheque:
- Click on the cheque entry in the portal.
- Follow the prompt to request a reissue.
- Choose your preferred method of delivery: direct deposit or paper mail.
- Confirm your banking details or mailing address are accurate.
Your reissued payment should arrive within a few weeks. If it doesn’t, follow up with CRA by phone.
Expert Insights: Why It Matters
Financial planners and tax professionals agree: leaving money unclaimed is more common than people think.
“You’d be surprised how many people miss out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars just because they didn’t log in,” says Amanda L., a CPA in Toronto. “Especially seniors or those who moved frequently.”
Professional Tip:
For tax professionals, checking for unclaimed cheques is a good practice during annual reviews. It adds value to your client service and ensures your clients receive all entitled funds.
Additional Tips to Keep Your CRA Info Updated
- Review your account annually. Make it a habit to check CRA My Account during tax season.
- Enable email notifications from the CRA so you’re alerted about new messages or issues.
- Set up direct deposit to avoid physical cheque delays or losses.
- Keep your address and banking info current. Update these any time you move or switch accounts.
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FAQs about CRA Has 160 Unclaimed Cheques Over $100K
1. Do CRA cheques expire?
No. Government of Canada cheques never expire. Even if your cheque is 10+ years old, you can request a replacement.
2. Can I claim cheques for a deceased family member?
Yes, if you are the legal representative of the estate. Contact the CRA directly with the required documentation.
3. What if I can’t access CRA My Account?
You can register online or call the CRA for help. You’ll need your SIN and other personal identification to verify your identity.
4. Is it safe to use CRA My Account?
Yes. CRA My Account is a secure portal using multi-factor authentication and encrypted data.
5. Will I owe taxes on unclaimed cheques?
Not typically. These cheques are payments you’re entitled to. However, consult a tax advisor if you’re unsure.
6. What happens if I moved overseas?
You can still access your CRA My Account and request cheque reissuance. Just make sure your international address is updated.
