Take Control of Your Taxes: How to Register for CRA My Account
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. This online portal gives you easy access to all your tax information in one place, helping you stay organized and in control.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to sign up for CRA My Account, step by step, and highlight the many benefits of having your own secure online account.
What Is CRA My Account?
CRA My Account is an online portal created by the Canada Revenue Agency for individual taxpayers. It allows you to access and manage tax information, apply for benefits, check balances, and communicate directly with CRA. Having this account ensures you can track your tax obligations and benefits efficiently, without relying solely on paper correspondence.
Benefits of Having a CRA My Account
Using CRA My Account comes with several advantages:
Quick Access to Tax Information: View your Notices of Assessment, tax returns, and balances anytime, from anywhere.
Track Refunds and Payments: Monitor tax refunds, payments, and installment schedules without guesswork.
Apply for Benefits: Easily apply for and track benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credits.
Update Personal Information: Update your address, direct deposit details, and other information quickly and securely.
Direct Communication with CRA: Receive important correspondence online, avoiding delays from traditional mail.
Convenience and Security: Manage everything in one secure place, without needing to call CRA or wait for paper documents.
Prerequisites for Signing Up
Before registering, make sure you have:
Social Insurance Number (SIN) – to verify your identity
Date of Birth – for verification
Recent Tax Information – you’ll need details from a recent tax return
Postal Code – must match CRA records
Email Address – for updates and verification
Different Methods to Sign Up
There are three ways to register for CRA My Account:
CRA User ID and Password: Create a unique CRA account without linking it to other services. You’ll verify your identity using recent tax information.
Sign-In Partner: Use your online banking credentials from a participating financial institution (like RBC, TD, or Scotiabank). This is convenient and secure.
Provincial Partner (BC or AB only): Use your BC Services Card or Alberta.ca account to register without the CRA security code. Note: Some services, like My Business Account or Auto-fill My Return, aren’t accessible via provincial partners.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register
Visit the CRA My Account Registration Page: Go to the CRA My Account website.
Choose Your Registration Method: Select CRA User ID, Sign-In Partner, or Provincial Partner.
Provide Personal Information: Enter SIN, date of birth, postal code, and recent tax return details.
Verify Your Identity:
Document Verification Service – Submit a photo of yourself and an accepted ID via mobile device.
Security Code by Mail – Receive a code at your registered address (5–10 business days).Complete Registration: Enter the security code or complete document verification to activate your account.
Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security using your mobile device.
Set Up Account Security: Configure security questions to further protect your account.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Forgot CRA User ID or Password: Use online recovery tools.
Security Code Delay: Can take up to 10 business days. Contact CRA if delayed.
Identity Verification Problems: Make sure details match your most recent tax return.
Session Timeout: Complete document verification promptly (18-minute window).
How to Use CRA My Account
Once registered, you can file or view tax returns, manage payments and schedules, register or update direct deposit for refunds, and apply for federal benefits like GST/HST credits or CCB. Using these features saves time and reduces stress during tax season.
FAQs
How long does registration take? About 10–15 minutes online, plus up to 10 business days for a security code by mail.
Can I access CRA My Account on my phone? Yes, the portal is mobile-friendly.
Can I apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) through CRA My Account? Absolutely — it’s fast, easy, and secure.
Conclusion
Signing up for CRA My Account is the first step to taking control of your taxes and benefits. It centralizes your information, keeps you informed, and ensures everything is secure. Don’t let tax season overwhelm you — take control today with CRA My Account.