Tax information phone service (TIPS)

What this department does

TIPS is the CRA’s automated Tax Information Phone Service. It plays recorded messages about filing, common tax topics, and related reminders. Use it when you want general information quickly and do not need someone to look up your file.

This toll-free line assists with:

• Pre-recorded tax information
• General tax tips and reminders
• Filing deadlines and requirements

Why to call this department

• You want recorded information about filing dates or common personal tax topics.
• You need a reminder of general requirements before you call a live agent.
• You are checking a published self-serve option listed on a CRA notice.

Why you may have received a call from this number

• TIPS does not usually place personal outbound collection calls.
• You may see this number if you called it earlier, saved it, or found it on a notice as a recorded-information option.
• If a person claims to be TIPS and asks for payment or your SIN, treat it as suspicious and verify the number here.

Have this ready before you call

• A pen for notes
• The topic you want (refunds, filing, or a general reminder)
• Your SIN only if a recorded option asks for it to read account-specific information

Other things to know

• For a live conversation about your own return, use individual tax enquiries.
• Recorded messages cannot set up a payment plan or unlock My Account for you.

Related CRA numbers

• Individual tax enquiries (provinces) 1-800-959-8281
• Tax account balance — automated 1-866-474-8272
• Benefit enquiries 1-800-387-1193