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CRA Tax Arrears in Canada: How to Stop Interest, Penalties, and Enforcement Using Home Equity

If you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), time is not on your side.
February 7, 2026 by
CRA Tax Arrears in Canada: How to Stop Interest, Penalties, and Enforcement Using Home Equity
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Once tax arrears hit your file, interest compounds daily, penalties stack quickly, and CRA enforcement powers are far stronger than most Canadians realize. Wage garnishments. Bank account freezes. Property liens. Even forced sale proceedings.

What many homeowners don’t know is this:

👉 Your home equity can be used to stop CRA interest and late fees immediately — without selling your property.

This is where Lendworth steps in.

Why CRA Tax Arrears Escalate So Fast

CRA is not a typical creditor. Once your taxes go unpaid:

  • Interest accrues daily (compounded, not simple)

  • Late filing penalties are added on top

  • CRA can register a lien on your home

  • CRA can freeze accounts or garnish income

  • Payment plans do not stop interest

Waiting only makes the balance grow — even if you’re “communicating” with CRA.

The Mistake Most Homeowners Make

Many Canadians try to:

  • Stretch CRA payment plans

  • Borrow from credit cards or lines of credit

  • Delay filing or negotiating

Unfortunately, CRA interest continues regardless, and unsecured debt often worsens cash flow.

Meanwhile, homeowners are sitting on untapped equity that could permanently stop the damage.

How Home Equity Can Solve CRA Tax Arrears

A second mortgage or equity-based loan allows you to:

✅ Pay CRA in full

✅ Immediately stop interest and penalties

✅ Remove liens or pending enforcement

✅ Consolidate the debt into one clear monthly payment

✅ Protect your credit and property

This is often cheaper long-term than letting CRA interest compound.

Why Banks Usually Say No (And Why That’s Okay)

Banks typically decline CRA-related financing because:

  • Tax arrears signal “risk” on paper

  • Income may be inconsistent or self-employed

  • Timelines are urgent

Private lenders focus on equity, not bureaucracy.

How Lendworth Helps With CRA Tax Arrears

At Lendworth, we specialize in equity-based solutions for homeowners dealing with CRA debt.

What Makes Lendworth Different:

  • Fast approvals (often within 24–48 hours)

  • Equity-first underwriting — not credit-score driven

  • Second mortgages designed for CRA payouts

  • Clear terms, no surprises

  • Discreet, professional handling

🔗 Learn more about CRA-specific solutions here:

👉 https://www.lendworth.ca/cra-tax-arrears

🔗 Explore second mortgage options:

👉 https://www.lendworth.ca/second-mortgages

Common CRA Scenarios We Help With

  • Self-employed tax arrears

  • HST/GST balances

  • Payroll source deductions

  • Investment or capital gains taxes

  • CRA liens already registered

  • Imminent garnishments or freezes

If you have equity, you have options — even if CRA pressure feels overwhelming.

Why Acting Early Saves You the Most Money

The biggest cost of CRA tax arrears isn’t the principal — it’s the time.

Every month you wait:

  • Interest compounds

  • Penalties stack

  • Enforcement risk rises

Using home equity early can save tens of thousands in avoided interest and stress.

Final Word: CRA Debt Doesn’t Mean You’re Out of Options

CRA tax arrears don’t make you irresponsible — they make you human.

But letting them spiral is avoidable.

If you own property and need a fast, practical solution, speak to Lendworth before interest and enforcement escalate.

📞 Call Lendworth today

Your Equity Deserves More™