The CRA can collect a debt for a certain time limit set by the law called the collections limitation period. This period starts and ends at different times depending on the type of debt you owe. It can also be restarted or extended when certain actions happen.
On this page
- How long we can collect different types of debts
- How the period is restarted or extended
- What happens when the limitation period ends
How long we can collect different types of debts
We can collect on a debt for either 6 or 10 years from the date the limitation period starts. The start date and length of the limitation period depends on the type of debt you owe.
How the period is restarted or extended
A limitation period can be restarted or extended with certain actions.
Actions that will restart a limitation period
Here are a few examples of actions that may restart the limitation period:
Actions that will extend a limitation period
A limitation period can be extended when certain events happen. The limitation period will pause when we are notified of the event starting. When the event is over, the limitation period restarts where it left off. It may take more than the 6 or 10 years to reach the end of the limitation period.
For example, if there was an event that extended a 6-year limitation period by 2 years, it would actually take 8 years to reach the end of the limitation period.
What happens when the limitation period ends
Usually we can't take any other action to collect your debt once the limitation period ends. However, your debt remains and you can make voluntary payments. Any voluntary payments you make after the limitation period ends should not restart it.
For EI debt, do not make any payments after the limitation period expires.
Exceptions when the limitation period may restart:
- A voluntary payment made for a Canada Student Loan or Canada Apprentice Loan
- An acknowledgement of the debt for COVID-19 benefits for individuals
