The Canada Revenue Agency reports that it is in possession of some 8.9 million checks worth a total of about $1.4 billion that have not been cashed over the years.
Every year, the Agency issues millions of payments by check or direct deposit in the form of reimbursements and benefits, but they may not be cleared for various reasons.
The CRA will notify certain recipients of the Canada Child Benefit and related provincial and territorial programs by email of any uncashed checks they may have. Approximately 25,000 electronic notices will be issued this month, another 25,000 next November and 25,000 new notices in May 2023.
The Agency says that since it launched this initiative in February 2020, approximately two million uncashed checks, worth $802 million, have been cashed by Canadians between February 10, 2020 and May 31. .
In 2020, the CRA launched a feature for taxpayers to view their uncashed checks and collect unclaimed benefit and credit payments to which they are entitled. Through My Account, Canadians can check if they have an uncashed check with the CRA, some of which date back to 1998.
Since government checks never expire or become stale, the Agency cannot void the original check and issue a new one unless requested by the taxpayer. The average amount per uncashed check is $158.
The Canada Revenue Agency adds that any taxpayer, whether or not they receive a notice, can check if they have an uncashed check by logging into My Account or by calling 1-800-959-7383.
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