Step 2 – Make an access to information or personal information request

Source URL

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/tp/stp2-eng.html

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Step 2 – Make an access to information or personal information request

If you cannot get the information you are looking for through the CRA’s services, make a request through the Access to Information Act or Privacy Act. There is a $5 fee for requests under the Access to Information Act. There is no fee for requests for personal information under the Privacy Act.

Are you eligible?

To make a request, you must be one of the following:

  • a Canadian citizen
  • a permanent resident of Canada
  • an individual or corporation currently in Canada

What you need to provide to make a request

  • proof of identity for privacy requests
  • your social insurance number (only for requests that concern your taxes)
  • a description of the information you want; give enough detail so that an experienced employee of the CRA can identify the information
  • date range, if applicable (for example, "I would like copies of my tax records for the 2012 to 2014 tax years.”)
  • consent – if you are representing another individual, you must provide a letter from the individual, signed within the last 30 days, that authorizes the CRA to discuss and disclose the individual’s personal information
  • $5 application fee for access to information requests:
    • by cheque or money order, payable to the “Receiver General for Canada,” when you submit your request by mail
    • by Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card when you send your request online

Additional information you need to provide for business-related requests

  • business name, if applicable
  • business number, if applicable
  • a corporate profile report and authorization dated within the last 30 days, if applicable
  • the name of the specific account(s) for which you are seeking information, for example: corporate [RC], GST [RT], payroll [RP]

Notes

  • You don't have to give a reason for making information requests, although an explanation might help our staff find the material you want.
  • When you request information, your identity is protected under the Privacy Act.
  • If the records you want are likely to include the personal information of other individuals, we recommend that you provide their consent, signed and dated within the last 30 days, to authorize the CRA to release their personal information to you.

Ways to make a request

Online

Apply online using the ATIP online request service. This service is a fast, easy and convenient way to make an access to information and personal information request. Make sure to include everything listed under What you need to provide to make a request in your application.

By mail

Send everything listed under What you need to provide to make a request in your letter or completed Form RC378, Access to Information and Personal Information Request Form to the following address:

Director, ATIP Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
555 MacKenzie Avenue, 5th Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0L5

Date modified:
2016-05-13