Many Canadians have tax refunds or benefits that were issued by cheque but never deposited. The good news: Government of Canada cheques don’t expire, and most people can view and claim them online. This guide walks you through the quickest path, and where Ralph & Levinson can help if you get stuck.
Quick Summary:
- Government of Canada cheques never expire; older cheques may be verified or held briefly by your bank.
- In My Account, open Uncashed cheques to see amounts and request a replacement if needed.
- If you still have the original cheque, you can usually cash it; replace it if it’s damaged.
- Prevent repeats: set up direct deposit, keep your address current, and enable email notifications.
- Stuck or handling an estate/business case? Ralph & Levinson can prepare the request, submit it, and track it for you.
What is an “uncashed CRA cheque”?
It’s a payment the CRA issued (for example, a tax refund, GST/HST credit, or Canada Child Benefit) that was never deposited. Government of Canada cheques don’t go stale‑dated. Financial institutions may verify older cheques or place a hold, but they remain valid. See the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s guidance on cashing federal cheques for details: Cashing a Government of Canada cheque.
Quick answer: how to see (and claim) uncashed CRA cheques
- Sign in to CRA’s My Account. Use the CRA sign‑in hub: CRA login services.
- Open the “Uncashed cheques” page. It lists any payments the CRA issued to you that were never deposited: Uncashed cheques from the CRA.
- Follow the on‑screen steps to request a duplicate payment (if you no longer have the original cheque).
Step‑by‑step in My Account
Sign in (what you’ll need)
Use one of CRA’s sign‑in options (Sign‑In Partner, CRA user ID and password, or a participating provincial partner). Have your security code handy if prompted. If you can’t access My Account, jump to When to contact the CRA.
Option 1: Sign‑In Partner
Sign in through your bank or credit union credentials via the CRA sign‑in hub.
Option 2: CRA user ID and password
Use your CRA credentials; recover your ID or reset your password if needed.
Option 3: Provincial partner
Some provinces let you sign in with a provincial digital ID.
Find the “Uncashed cheques” page
From the Overview page in My Account, look to the right‑hand Related services panel and select Uncashed cheques.
After clicking the tab you’ll see the issue date and amount for each uncashed payment.
Request a replacement (duplicate payment)
Select the cheque you want replaced and follow the on‑screen instructions. My Account will generate a personalized replacement form (undertaking/indemnity) for that specific payment and show you how to submit it using Submit documents.
If you cannot access My Account
Call the CRA to request the personalized replacement form and instructions, or ask us to coordinate the call and paperwork on your behalf.
If you still have the original cheque
Cash it
You can usually cash it at your financial institution. Because CRA cheques don’t expire, the bank may verify the item or place a short hold.
Replace a damaged cheque
If the cheque is torn or illegible, request a replacement through My Account (see Quick answer above).
Special cases: deceased person, closed estate, or a business cheque
If the original payee has passed away, the estate’s legal representative can usually request a reissue once proper authority is on file. Business cheques may require confirmation of signing authority or additional documentation. We regularly help clients gather the right authorizations and submit the reissue request, start with our Compliance & Government Reporting team.
For business owners and representatives
The Uncashed cheques feature is designed for individuals in My Account. For business cheques, tracing and replacement typically require contacting the CRA with the right business authorization on file. We can:
Set up or confirm business authorization
Ensure the correct representative access is in place and that the CRA can discuss payment tracing with us.
Trace and request replacement
Prepare and submit the necessary request to have an uncashed business cheque reissued, and follow up until it’s resolved.
Avoid missed payments going forward
Prepare and submit the necessary request to have an uncashed business cheque reissued, and follow up until it’s resolved.
Set up CRA direct deposit
Switching to direct deposit means future refunds and benefits go straight to your account: Direct deposit with the CRA.
Turn on email notifications (includes uncashed cheques)
Enable email notifications in My Account so you’re alerted about changes like your uncashed cheques. This helps you act fast if a payment is issued but not deposited.
Keep your information current
Update your address with the CRA and check My Account periodically, especially during filing season. If you’re waiting on a replacement, you can consult CRA’s current timelines: Check processing times.
Prefer that we set this up for you? Call 250‑727‑6444, or use our Contact page.
Troubleshooting & common issues
No uncashed cheques found
If nothing appears, it usually means there are no outstanding paper cheques tied to your profile. If you believe a cheque was issued, we can help confirm the payment details and request a trace.
You can’t pass identity verification
We’ll help you recover access to My Account and complete any identity checks so you can view and claim payments.
Name or address changes
A mismatch can slow things down. We’ll assist with updating your account information so the replacement can be issued correctly.
Non‑resident or recently moved abroad
You can still request a replacement, but identity checks and delivery may require extra steps. We can coordinate the process and timelines for you.
When to contact the CRA
You can’t access My Account
If you’re locked out or don’t have the necessary ID, you can still ask the CRA to trace a payment by phone or mail. Start here: CRA contact information. We can also guide you through identity verification and account recovery.
Tracing a payment: what to expect
Replacement timelines vary by case. Use the processing‑times tool above for current ranges and keep your contact info up to date. We’ll keep you posted while we monitor the file.
Security & scams: proceed safely
- Only use the official CRA sign‑in page and beware of unsolicited calls, texts or emails asking for personal details.
- The CRA does not accept payment by cryptocurrencies or gift cards. If something feels urgent or threatening, hang up and contact the CRA using published numbers.
- Review CRA’s guidance on recognizing scams to protect yourself.
How Ralph & Levinson helps
Hands‑on support, start to finish
Prepare and submit your replacement request
We gather details, generate the personalized form from your account, submit it via Submit documents, and track the file.
Solve access and authorization hurdles
We help you recover My Account access, set up direct deposit, and put proper authorization in place (for estates or businesses).
Keep things moving
We monitor CRA processing times and follow up if delays occur.
Ready to reclaim your money?
Call 250‑727‑6444, or use our Contact page.
FAQs
Do Government of Canada cheques expire?
No. Federal cheques do not become stale‑dated, though your bank may verify older items or place a hold.
How long does a replacement take?
It varies. Consult CRA’s processing‑times tool and allow for identity/security checks when required.
Last updated
October. 03 / 2025
Disclaimer:
This guide provides general information and is not legal or tax advice. Laws and CRA administrative practices change. Consult a professional about your specific situation before acting.
