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Owing money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can feel manageable at first. What surprises many Canadians is how quickly interest makes the balance grow.
Even when no new penalties are added, interest alone can significantly increase what you owe over time.
The CRA charges interest on unpaid tax balances starting the day after the due date. Interest is compounded daily, which means:
Interest rates are tied to the prescribed rate and can change quarterly.
Many people focus on the original tax amount and underestimate how much interest contributes to the total debt.
These mistakes often turn a manageable balance into a long-term financial problem.
If interest keeps adding up and the balance remains unpaid, CRA collection action may escalate. Read this before it gets worse: CRA collection warning signs before garnishment and bank account freezes .
Making payments reduces the principal balance, which can slow how quickly interest grows. However, interest generally continues until the balance is fully paid.
In some cases, interest relief may be requested, but approval is not guaranteed.
The longer the balance remains unpaid, the fewer options typically remain.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice.
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