How to Call CRA from Abroad (Without SIM or Roaming)

If you’re overseas and need to reach the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax inquiries, benefit questions, or account issues, using your local phone plan can result in expensive charges. Canadian toll-free numbers often don’t work from abroad, and many VoIP apps are unreliable for important government calls that require secure authentication.

This guide provides the easiest method to call the CRA from anywhere in the world without paying roaming fees or installing apps. You’ll get step-by-step instructions and all the CRA numbers you need.

How to Call CRA from Abroad

1. Go to Callshake.com.
   
2. Create an account and add pay-as-you-go credit.
   
3. When prompted, dial the CRA number you need (see the list below).

Why use Callshake?

• No roaming charges from your carrier: You only pay Callshake rate for the call.
• No active roaming or eSIM required: Call CRA from overseas, no matter where you are.
• No Canadian number needed: Call using Callshake’s public number or verify your number to show your Caller ID.
• Pay only for what you use: No subscription, no hidden fees.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Phone Numbers

Here are the main CRA phone numbers for taxpayers calling from abroad. Verified as of January 2025:

Important Note: The +1 613 940 8495 number is specifically for international callers and non-residents of Canada.

• All numbers above accept international calls and connect you to CRA support teams.
  
• The international tax services line is designed for taxpayers calling from outside Canada.
• If your country blocks Canadian numbers, use Callshake’s local access number to connect.

Why Calling CRA from Abroad Often Fails

Most Canadian toll-free numbers, like 1-800 numbers, won’t work from outside Canada. Even when using the CRA’s international number, you might still face:

• High roaming charges (CAD $2–$5 per minute)
  
• Dropped calls or poor connections
  
• Authentication issues with automated systems

Tips for Calling the Canada Revenue Agency

• Have your information ready: Social Insurance Number (SIN), tax return details, and any CRA notices or letters
  
• Know your issue: write down specific questions or concerns before calling
  
• Check Eastern Time: CRA operates on ET for phone support
  
• Be prepared to wait: CRA phone lines can have long wait times, especially during tax season (February–April)
• Keep records: write down any reference numbers or agent names for follow-up
• Have your date of birth and full address ready for identity verification
• If you’ve moved abroad, have your Canadian address on file ready

Alternative Contact Methods

If calling isn’t working, try these options:

• CRA My Account: Access your tax account at canada.ca/my-cra-account
  
• Submit Documents Online: Use CRA’s secure document upload service
  
• Mail Correspondence: Send letters to your tax center (address on your notice of assessment)
  
• Authorized Representative: Appoint someone in Canada to deal with CRA on your behalf

Common CRA Queries from Abroad

• Tax Returns: Filing requirements for non-residents and expats
• RRSP Withdrawals: Tax implications when withdrawing from abroad
• GST/HST Credits: Questions about receiving credits while living overseas
• Canada Child Benefit: Eligibility and payments while abroad
• Non-Resident Tax: Understanding withholding tax obligations
• Notice of Assessment: Clarifying or disputing assessments
• Clearing Code: Getting security clearance codes for online access
• Direct Deposit: Setting up or changing banking information for refunds
• Tax Residency Status: Determining your residency status for tax purposes