CRA Searching for Owner of 160 Unclaimed Cheques Worth $100K: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is actively seeking the rightful owners of 160 unclaimed cheques worth over $100,000 in total. This initiative is part of a larger national campaign to reconnect Canadians with nearly $1.7 billion in unpaid, unclaimed, or uncashed CRA payments. These cheques range from tax refunds to benefit payments, and in many cases, the recipients may not even realize that money is waiting for them.
Uncashed CRA cheques are surprisingly common, and they often go unnoticed because people move, change banks, or mistakenly discard the mail. Whether you’re a student, a retiree, a working professional, or someone who recently immigrated to Canada, there is a real chance that you’re owed funds by the government. And the good news? There is no expiry date, and claiming your money is straightforward.
CRA Searching for Owner of 160 Unclaimed Cheques Worth $100K
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unclaimed Amount | $1.7 billion total in CRA uncashed cheques |
| Individual Cases | 160 cheques worth over $100,000 remain unclaimed |
| What It Includes | Tax refunds, benefits (GST/HST, CCB, Climate Incentive, etc.) |
| Eligibility | Any Canadian who has ever received CRA payments |
| How To Check | Via CRA My Account |
| Form to Reclaim Funds | Form PWGSC 535 (Undertaking and Indemnity) |
| Processing Time | Up to 6-8 weeks; faster with direct deposit |
| Official Resource | Canada.ca – Uncashed Cheques |
Every dollar counts, especially when it’s yours. With more than $1.7 billion sitting unclaimed, the CRA’s initiative is a golden opportunity to recover funds that you may have completely forgotten about. Logging into your CRA My Account could make a difference — whether it’s a small overpayment or a life-changing cheque.
This campaign demonstrates the importance of digital literacy and proactive personal finance. Stay ahead by checking your CRA portal regularly, keeping your details current, and helping others who may be unaware of this issue. Sometimes, doing a five-minute check could mean a lot more than you expect.
Why Are These Cheques Unclaimed?
Many Canadians are surprised to learn that their government-issued cheques can go missing. There are numerous reasons for this:
- People move frequently and forget to update their address with CRA.
- A change in bank account details can lead to a disruption in direct deposit.
- Some payments were made by paper cheque and simply got lost or never delivered.
- Seniors or vulnerable individuals may have forgotten to cash a cheque.
- Canada Post delays or lost mail are also contributing factors.
The CRA made a major leap in 2020 when it began notifying users directly within their CRA My Account about any uncashed cheques on file. Since then, more than $1 billion has been reclaimed by Canadians who were unaware they had outstanding payments waiting for them.
Who Might Be Affected?
This situation is more common than you might think. Virtually anyone who has interacted with CRA in the last 10–20 years may be impacted. This includes:
- Canadians who have filed income tax returns and were due refunds
- Families receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Individuals eligible for GST/HST credits or the Climate Action Incentive
- Seniors receiving Old Age Security or the Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Students who received the Canada Workers Benefit or education tax credits
Even if your income is low or non-taxable, CRA may have issued a benefit cheque to you. This is especially true for:
- Recent immigrants
- Young adults who filed a return to receive credits
- Individuals on disability support
How to Check for Unclaimed CRA Cheques: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Access Your CRA My Account
Visit the CRA My Account login page. If you don’t have an account, registration is quick:
- You’ll need your Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, and last tax return
- After verifying your identity, CRA will send a security code by mail
- Once activated, you’ll gain full access to all available services
Step 2: Look for the “Uncashed Cheques” Section
After logging in, scroll through your dashboard until you find the “Related Services” section. Here, you should click on “Uncashed Cheques”. Any cheques issued to you that remain outstanding will be listed, along with the date and amount.
This service is 100% secure and updated in real-time with the CRA’s central database. You don’t need to call anyone or wait for paperwork to arrive. The process is entirely digital unless you decide to request a reissue.
Step 3: Fill Out Form PWGSC 535
If you find any uncashed payments in your account:
- Download Form PWGSC 535
- Complete the form, including cheque details and your CRA information
- The form must be witnessed by a non-family member
- Submit it either:
- Online via the “Submit documents” feature in CRA My Account
- Or mail it to:
Sudbury Tax Centre
Post Office Box 20000, Station A
Sudbury ON P3A 5C2
Step 4: Receive Your Reissued Payment
The CRA typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks to process reissue requests. If you’re already signed up for direct deposit, your funds will arrive even faster. Otherwise, a paper cheque will be sent to your registered mailing address.
Practical Advice: Avoid Missing Future CRA Payments
Want to prevent this from happening again? Here are some expert tips to help you stay on top of your payments:
- Opt into Direct Deposit: This is the most reliable and secure way to receive CRA payments. You can sign up through CRA or your online banking portal.
- Always Update Your Address: As soon as you move, make updating your CRA profile a priority.
- Verify Your Banking Information Annually: Especially if you switch banks or accounts.
- Bookmark CRA My Account: Make it part of your annual tax routine to check your dashboard.
- Enroll in Email Notifications: This way, CRA can notify you of any updates or outstanding actions needed.
Canada’s $1,086 GIS Deposit for May: How to Know If You’ll Be Paid
Canada’s May 2025 Tax Refunds: Who’s Eligible, How to Apply, and When You’ll Get Paid
Canada’s $1,647 Survivor Allowance: Are You on the May 2025 Payout List?
FAQs About CRA Searching for Owner of 160 Unclaimed Cheques Worth $100K
1. Is there a time limit on claiming CRA cheques?
No, there is no expiration date. CRA cheques remain valid indefinitely. If a cheque was never cashed, you can request a new one at any time.
2. Will I be taxed on the money I recover?
Typically, no. These funds are tax refunds or pre-calculated benefit payments. However, if you’re unsure, consult your Notice of Assessment or contact a tax professional.
3. What if I never received a cheque?
It doesn’t matter. If CRA issued it and it’s uncashed, it’s still yours to claim. The system tracks everything.
4. Can I check uncashed cheques for someone else?
Yes, but only if you have legal authority such as Power of Attorney or you’re the executor of their estate.
5. I live outside Canada. Can I still claim my cheque?
Absolutely. CRA services are accessible globally. Make sure your address and banking info are up-to-date in My Account.
