Tax debts over $50,000 can be reported to credit bureaus
A new collection tool: once a tax debt over $50,000 is final, the CRA could tell the credit bureaus. That affects borrowing for the business and for you.
Quick answer: Budget 2026 proposes letting the CRA report a tax debt over $50,000, including GST/HST, to credit bureaus. It can only do so once the assessment is no longer under objection or appeal, after it has tried to collect and offered a payment arrangement, and after giving 30 days’ written notice. It would apply once the law receives royal assent.
When the CRA could report a debt
All of these must be true:
- The debt is more than $50,000.
- The assessment is not under objection or appeal, and those rights have been used or have expired.
- The CRA has taken reasonable steps to collect and offered a payment arrangement.
- The CRA has given 30 days’ written notice.
Example
A corporation owes $70,000 of unpaid GST/HST and has not responded to collection letters. After the 30-day notice, the CRA could report the debt, which would show up when the owner applies for a line of credit or equipment financing. Agreeing a payment arrangement before that point is what prevents it.
What to do. If you owe a large balance, answer CRA collections letters and ask for a payment arrangement. See what happens in CRA collections.
Whether this applies to you depends on your year-end and structure; ask about your own situation and a CPA replies by email, usually the same business day, free.
Common questions
Can the CRA report my tax debt to a credit bureau?+
Does it include GST/HST?+
Where this comes from
Budget 2026 was tabled on 5 November 2026. Figures on this page are from:
- Thor — 2026 Federal Budget: key tax measures
- RBC Wealth Management — Federal budget 2026 overview
- BLG — Federal Budget 2026: tax measures
General information, not tax advice. Budget measures are proposals until enacted and can change. Before deciding anything, send an enquiry.