If you want to take control of your taxes, benefits, and correspondence with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), registering for CRA My Account is your first step. It allows you easy access to all your tax information in one place.
This guide will walk you through how to sign up for CRA My Account, step by step, and discuss the many benefits of having your own online CRA My Account.
Table of Contents
- What Is CRA My Account?
- Benefits of Having a CRA My Account
- Prerequisites for Signing Up
- Different Methods to Sign Up
- Step-by-Step Guide to Register for CRA My Account
- Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
- How to Use CRA My Account
- FAQs
What Is CRA My Account?
CRA My Account is an online portal created by the Canada Revenue Agency that allows individual taxpayers to access and manage their tax information. This online account is essential for anyone who wants to keep track of their taxes, apply for benefits, check their balances, and communicate directly with the CRA.
Benefits of Having a CRA My Account
Having a CRA My Account offers a variety of key benefits:
- Quick Access to Tax Information: View your Notices of Assessment, tax returns, and balances from anywhere.
- Track Refunds and Payments: Easily track tax refunds, payments, and installment schedules.
- Apply for Benefits: Apply for and monitor benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credits.
- Update Information: Update your address, direct deposit information, and other personal details quickly.
- Direct Communication with CRA: Receive important correspondence directly through the portal, avoiding delays through traditional mail.
- Convenience and Security: Manage everything securely from one place without needing to call or wait for paper correspondence.
Prerequisites for Signing Up
Before you begin, make sure you have the following information on hand:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): You will need this to verify your identity.
- Date of Birth: Personal information for verification.
- Tax Information: Details from a recently filed tax return (you will be asked for line items to confirm your identity).
- Postal Code: Ensure your current postal code matches your tax information.
- Email Address: For receiving updates and for the verification process.
Different Methods to Sign Up
There are three main ways to sign up for CRA My Account: using a CRA User ID and Password, using a Sign-In Partner, or using a Provincial Partner if you are in British Columbia or Alberta.
Sign Up Using CRA User ID and Password
If you prefer to create a unique CRA account without linking it to any bank or other service, you can register for a CRA User ID and Password. This requires setting up a new user ID with CRA directly and verifying your identity using recent tax information.
Sign Up Using a Sign-In Partner
You can also register using a Sign-In Partner—a participating financial institution that allows you to use your existing online banking credentials. This option is both convenient and secure, as it doesn’t require you to remember another password.
Participating institutions include major Canadian banks like RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and more.
Register with a Provincial Partner (BC, AB)
If you are in British Columbia or Alberta, you can register using your BC Services Card or Alberta.ca Account. This method allows you to verify your identity using your provincial credentials without needing to use the CRA security code or document verification process.
Note that while you can use your provincial partner to register for CRA My Account, this method cannot be used to access certain services, like My Business Account, Represent a Client, or Auto-fill My Return.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register for CRA My Account
- Visit the CRA My Account Registration Page
- Go to the CRA My Account website.
- Choose Your Registration Method
- CRA User ID and Password: Select this if you want to create a unique login for the CRA.
- Sign-In Partner: Select this if you want to use your online banking credentials.
- Provincial Partner (BC, AB): Select this if you want to use your BC Services Card or Alberta.ca Account.
- Provide Personal Information
- Enter your SIN, date of birth, and postal code.
- You’ll also be asked for information from a recently filed tax return, so make sure you have that nearby.
- Verify Your Identity
- Document Verification Service: You can submit a photo of yourself and an accepted identification document using a mobile device for immediate verification. This is the fastest method to verify your identity.
- Receive Your CRA Security Code: If you prefer, you can request that CRA mail a security code to your registered address. This will arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
- Complete the Registration
- Once you receive your security code or complete document verification, log in to CRA My Account again and enter the code to complete your registration.
- Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- For added security, set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using your mobile device. This extra layer of security will help protect your account from unauthorized access.
- Set Up Your Account Security
- Set up security questions and answers to add an extra layer of protection to your account.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
- Forgot Your CRA User ID or Password?: Use the recovery options available on the CRA login page to reset them.
- Haven’t Received Your Security Code?: If you did not validate your identity online over a mobile device, it can take up to 10 business days to arrive. Contact CRA if it’s delayed beyond this time.
- Problems with Identity Verification: Make sure the information you’re using matches your most recent tax return. Errors often occur when using outdated details.
- Avoid Session Timeout: During registration, your session will expire after 18 minutes of inactivity. Make sure you complete document verification promptly to avoid losing your progress.
How to Use CRA My Account
Once you’re set up, CRA My Account gives you full access to manage your tax affairs easily:
- File or View Tax Returns: Submit your return online or view returns filed in previous years.
- Manage Payments: Set up or view payment schedules for taxes owing.
- Direct Deposit: Register or update your direct deposit information to receive refunds quickly.
- Benefit Applications: Apply for and track various federal benefits, including GST/HST credits.
Using these features can save you time and reduce the hassle of managing taxes.
FAQs
How long does it take to sign up for CRA My Account?
The sign-up process takes about 10-15 minutes, but it may take up to 10 business days to receive your security code by mail.
What if I forget my CRA User ID or password?
You can recover both your User ID and password by answering security questions online or by calling CRA for support.
Can I access CRA My Account from my phone?
Yes, the CRA website is mobile-friendly, and you can log in using your phone’s browser.
Can I use my CRA My Account to apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
Absolutely! CRA My Account makes applying for and tracking your benefits like the CCB very convenient.
Conclusion
Signing up for CRA My Account is a must for managing your taxes easily and effectively. It provides a centralized, secure location to view returns, make payments, track refunds, and update information—making your life a whole lot easier. Don’t let tax season or benefits tracking overwhelm you; take control today by signing up for CRA My Account.
Ready to simplify your tax journey? Register for CRA My Account now and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
Need help managing your taxes or understanding CRA processes? Feel free to reach out to our team for help.