By TaxNorth Editorial Team
CRA My Account is your personal online portal with the Canada Revenue Agency. It lets you view your tax documents, check your benefit payments, update your direct deposit information, and track your RRSP and TFSA room, all in one place.
In most cases, you need to file at least one Canadian tax return before registering for CRA My Account with a CRA user ID or through a Sign-In Partner. However, residents of Alberta and British Columbia may be able to register through a provincial identity partner without a prior filed return. The CRA also offers different identity-verification options. Review the current CRA registration page at canada.ca for the most up-to-date eligibility information for your situation.
Once your first return has been processed, gather these items before you begin: your Social Insurance Number, your exact date of birth, and a copy of the tax return you filed. The system asks you to enter a specific number from a specific line on your return to confirm your identity. The session has a time limit so have everything ready before starting.
The easiest way to register is to use a Sign-In Partner — your existing Canadian online banking username and password. Your bank confirms your identity with the CRA securely. Most major Canadian banks are supported including RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC.
If you prefer not to use your bank login, you can create a dedicated CRA user ID and password. You will also be required to set up multi-factor authentication. The CRA sends a passcode to your phone each time you log in.
After the initial setup, the CRA requires one final verification to unlock full account access. You can verify your identity using your mobile device camera, or the CRA will mail a physical security code to your home address. This can take 5 to 10 business days. Once you enter the code, your account is fully active.
With a fully active CRA My Account you can view your Notice of Assessment and previous tax returns, check your RRSP and TFSA contribution room, update your direct deposit information, apply for the Canada Child Benefit, track benefit payment dates, and update your address when you move.
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