Managing outstanding tax balances can be challenging for businesses, particularly when cash flow is tight. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a new online service designed to make managing business tax debt easier.
The new Manage Balance for Businesses service is now available through CRA’s My Business Account, giving business owners more flexibility to manage outstanding tax obligations without having to contact a CRA collections officer.
What Can Businesses Do With the New Service?
The service allows eligible business owners, directors, and officers to manage outstanding balances related to:
- Corporate income tax (T2)
- GST/HST
- Payroll deductions
Through My Business Account, businesses can now:
1. Make payments toward outstanding balances
Businesses can review their outstanding tax obligations and make payments directly through CRA’s online services.
2. Set up payment arrangements
If a business cannot pay its full balance immediately, it may be able to establish a payment arrangement based on its financial circumstances.
3. Request a callback from the CRA
Businesses requiring additional assistance can request a callback rather than contacting collections directly.
Important Information for Businesses Working With Accountants
One important limitation is that this service is not currently available through Represent a Client.
This means accountants, bookkeepers, and other authorized representatives cannot access Manage Balance for Businesses on their clients’ behalf.
Business owners who wish to use these features must sign in to their own My Business Account.
Accountants can, however, continue helping businesses review their outstanding balances, assess cash flow, and develop practical plans for addressing tax obligations.
What Should You Do if Your Business Owes CRA Money?
If your business has an outstanding tax balance, addressing it early is important. Ignoring unpaid tax obligations can result in additional interest and collection activity.
Before establishing a payment arrangement, consider reviewing your business’s current financial position and determining what it can realistically afford to pay.
How Seniuk & Marcato Can Help
At Seniuk & Marcato Chartered Professional Accountants, we help businesses understand their tax obligations, review CRA account balances, and plan for tax payments.
If your business is dealing with an outstanding CRA balance or needs assistance managing its tax obligations, contact our team to discuss your options.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency — Business Tax Updates, October 2026.
