Government-issued cheques never expire, so they can be cashed at any time. If they have been lost or damaged, they can be replaced at the taxpayer’s request. To find uncashed cheques for individuals, taxpayers should go to their online CRA account (My Account) and select “Uncashed cheques” on the “Overview” page or the “Accounts and payments” page. If an uncashed cheque is listed, taxpayers may download, print, and submit the pre-filled form (Form PWGSC 535, Undertaking and Indemnity) to request that the cheque be replaced.

A May 12, 2025 National Post article (CRA looking for the owner of 160 cheques worth over $100K. Could it be you?, Christopher Nardi) noted that there were over ten million uncashed cheques, worth approximately $1.7 billion. While the vast majority are under $1,000, the article indicated that nearly 190,000 are larger, with 160 exceeding $100,000. These cheques date back as far as 1998.

Tip – Check your CRA My Account to see if you have any uncashed cheques from CRA.