TORONTO, May 29, 2026 – The Canada Revenue Agency says 45 CRA drop boxes across the country are permanently closed as of May 29, with documents accepted through drop boxes only until the end of May 28. CRA said the closure is due to declining use, processing delays and security risks. For seniors who are used to filing taxes on paper, newcomers with limited English, self-employed residents, small businesses and people without stable access to computers or online accounts, tax returns, cheques and supporting documents can no longer be placed directly into CRA drop boxes. They will need to use online services, mail or designated payment channels instead.
CRA data shows that drop box use has declined significantly in recent years. From the 2018–2019 fiscal year to the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the number of items submitted through drop boxes fell from nearly two million to about 430,000, a decrease of 78%. CRA also said documents placed in drop boxes still needed to be transported to the appropriate processing locations, which could lead to longer wait times. Closing the drop boxes may also reduce security risks involving vandalism, break-ins and suspicious packages.
The closure of drop boxes does not mean paper filing is no longer available. CRA says taxpayers can still submit documents through online accounts, pay taxes through online banking, pre-authorized debit, CRA My Payment or third-party payment services, and mail paper tax returns, cheques or other documents to the appropriate tax centre. Payments can also be made through financial institutions or at Canada Post using a QR code, though some payment methods may involve fees.
The people most likely to be affected are residents who were used to “dropping off” documents in person. Some seniors or newcomers may feel that placing documents in a CRA drop box is more secure than mailing them. But starting today, going to a CRA office will no longer allow them to use a drop box. CRA office pages also remind residents that CRA locations do not provide walk-in counter service, so people should not expect to handle documents or payments in person at a service counter.
For households filing on paper, the next priority is keeping records. When mailing tax returns or supporting documents, residents should keep copies of the documents, mailing receipts and payment confirmations. When using online banking or My Payment, they should save screenshots or confirmation numbers. Small businesses and self-employed residents who need to submit invoices, T4A slips, GST/HST records or documents requested by CRA should also confirm the correct upload portal or mailing address to avoid sending materials to the wrong department.
It is important to note that mailing documents does not mean CRA receives them immediately, and starting a payment does not always mean it is posted right away. Residents handling documents or payments close to a deadline should allow time for mail delivery and bank processing, while keeping all confirmation records. Seniors who are unfamiliar with English-language webpages or CRA online accounts can ask family members, tax volunteers or community organizations for help confirming what needs to be submitted, where it should be sent and whether payment proof is required before completing the process.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
