A CRA My Account allows you to securely access all of your tax and benefit information online through the Canada Revenue Agency. With a CRA My Account, you can file taxes, check your refund, update personal details, view tax records, manage benefits, and more.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to sign up for a CRA My Account. We’ll cover the benefits, registration methods, identity verification, troubleshooting tips, and how to fully use your CRA My Account.
What is a CRA My Account?
A CRA My Account is an online self-serve portal designed and managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It allows individual taxpayers digital access to all of their tax and benefit information and services from anywhere, at any time.
This digital service transforms the traditionally paper-based tax system into an efficient, accessible online experience that puts you in control of your financial relationship with the government.
Having a CRA My Account makes managing your taxes much more convenient compared to filing paper returns and waiting for physical mail from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Everything is securely accessible online 24/7 from your computer or mobile device.
What Do I Need Before Registering for CRA My Account?
Before starting the CRA My Account registration process, ensure you have the following:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) – Your SIN is required to verify your identity and access your tax records.
- Date of Birth – Full date of birth as registered with the CRA for identity confirmation.
- Tax Information – Your total income amount from Line 15000 of your most recent return.
- Postal Code – The current postal code, which must match your address on file with the CRA.
- Email Address – An active email to receive registration confirmation messages.
Having this information ready will ensure the registration process goes smoothly and prevent delays in verifying your identity.
What Are the Different Ways to Register for CRA My Account?
The CRA offers three methods to register for an online account, summarized below:
| Method | Description |
| CRA User ID | Create a unique CRA user ID and password to access your account |
| Sign-In Partner | Register through a participating financial institution or ID provider |
| Provincial Partner | BC and AB residents can register using their provincial online ID |
Select the registration method that is most convenient for you. The process will be largely the same after entering your preliminary details.
How Do I Register for CRA My Account Step by Step?
Registering for CRA My Account is easy if you follow the right steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Choose Your Registration Method
Begin your registration journey at the official CRA My Account website. The homepage presents three clearly marked options: “CRA register” for creating new credentials, “Continue to Sign-in Partner” for bank integration, or provincial partner options for eligible residents.
Navigation tip: Bookmark the official CRA page to avoid phishing sites that mimic government portals. The legitimate URL always includes “canada.ca” in the domain.
Step 2: Provide Personal Information
The system requests your personal information in a specific sequence designed to verify your identity progressively. Enter your 9-digit Social Insurance Number without spaces or hyphens, followed by your date of birth in the exact format shown on the screen.
Identity Verification Requirements by Method
| Registration Method | Information Required | Verification Questions | Additional Steps |
| CRA User ID | – SIN – Date of birth – Postal code – Tax return amount | Line 150 from recent return | Create username and password |
| Sign-In Partner | – Bank login credentials – SIN – Personal information | Tax return verification | Link bank account to CRA |
| Provincial Partner | – Provincial ID login – Consent to share info | None – pre-verified | Grant permission to CRA |
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
Identity verification represents the most critical security step in protecting your tax information from unauthorized access. The CRA offers two verification methods with significantly different timelines and levels of convenience.
Identity Verification Options Detailed Comparison
| Verification Method | Time to Complete | Requirements | Success Rate | Best Used When |
| Document Verification Service | Immediate | – Smartphone with camera – Government-issued photo ID – Good lighting for photos | 95% first attempt | You need immediate access |
| CRA Security Code by Mail | 5-10 business days | – Verified mailing address – Ability to receive mail – Code expires after set date | 100% if address correct | No smartphone available |
Document Verification Process Details:
- Select “Verify my identity online” option
- Use your mobile device to scan QR code
- Take a clear photo of your accepted ID (driver’s license, passport)
- Take a selfie for comparison
- Receive immediate verification result
Step 4: Complete Registration
Registration completion varies based on your chosen verification method. Document verification users gain immediate full access, while those awaiting mail codes receive limited access to view some information immediately.
Access Levels During Registration
| Stage | Available Services | Restricted Services | Duration |
| Initial Registration | – View some tax slips – See basic account info – Limited NOA access | – Cannot change info – No direct deposit setup – No address updates | Until verification complete |
| After Security Code Entry | – Full service access – All tax documents – Complete account management | None – full access granted | Permanent |
Step 5: Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication became mandatory on October 18, 2021, representing the CRA’s commitment to protecting taxpayer information against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. This additional security layer requires verification beyond just your password for every login.
MFA Options and Setup Requirements
| MFA Method | How It Works | Setup Requirements | Pros | Cons |
| Telephone | – Text message code – Voice call option – One-time passcode | – Mobile or landline – Phone type selection – Number verification | – Convenient – Familiar process – Quick codes | – Requires phone access – SIM swap risk |
| Passcode Grid | – Generated grid of codes – Print or save digitally – Use specific code when prompted | – Ability to store grid – No phone needed | – Works offline – No phone required – Travel-friendly | – Must secure grid – Lost grid = locked out |
MFA Setup Instructions:
- Log into My Account after registration
- Click “Personal Profile” in the top blue banner
- Scroll to “CRA security options”
- Select “Continue” under MFA settings
- Choose your preferred method and follow the prompts
Can I Register for CRA My Account If I Haven’t Filed Taxes?
Registration for CRA My Account requires that you have filed and assessed at least one tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency.
This requirement exists because the system uses information from your tax returns as part of the identity verification process, ensuring only legitimate account holders can access sensitive tax information.
If you’re a new taxpayer who hasn’t yet filed a return, you’ll need to complete your first tax filing before gaining access to My Account. Consider this an additional incentive to file your taxes promptly, as the benefits of online account access extend far beyond just viewing your assessment.
How to Use Your New CRA My Account
Once registration is complete, here are ten key things you can do with your CRA My Account:
- File tax returns – File new returns directly with the CRA through NETFILE-certified tax software.
- Check refund status – See when your refund was issued and view details of your direct deposit.
- View tax records – Access previous returns, notices of assessment, tax slips, and reassessment notices.
- Update personal details – Change your address, phone numbers, direct deposit, marital status, and other details.
- Check balances – See balances owing, installment plan details, and payment due dates.
- Pay taxes – Pay any owing balance directly or set up pre-authorized debit payments.
- Apply for benefits – Apply for child benefits, disability credits, GST payments, and more.
- Manage benefits – View payment details, eligibility status, and manage your applications.
- Tax slips – Access and download tax slips like T4, T4A, T5, and RRSP contribution receipts.
- Messages – Send enquiries directly to the CRA and receive replies online through the portal.
Your CRA My Account provides the convenience of managing everything tax-related digitally through one simple online portal.
Top Benefits of a CRA My Account
Registering for CRA My Account provides immediate benefits that streamline your tax management and benefit applications.
There are ten main benefits to setting up a CRA My Account:
- Convenient tax filing – File your taxes directly with the CRA through NETFILE-certified software.
- Faster refunds – Set up direct deposit to get refunds deposited quickly without waiting for a cheque.
- Instant access to documents – View and download tax returns, notices of assessment, and tax slips immediately.
- Proactive tax planning – Check balances and installment payment schedules to plan ahead.
- Manage benefits easily – Apply, track, and manage Canada Child Benefit, GST credits, and other benefits.
- Paperless correspondence – Get notifications and letters digitally rather than waiting for postal mail.
- Mobile accessibility – Securely access your account on the go from your smartphone or tablet.
- Enhanced security – Use Multi-Factor Authentication and security questions for better protection.
- User-friendly interface – Easy-to-understand account dashboard with helpful guides and information.
- Direct CRA communication – Send enquiries and messages to the CRA directly through the portal.
Having an online account makes tax time easier and gives you more control over your tax details and correspondence
The bottom line
Signing up for a CRA My Account provides many benefits, including convenient online tax filing, faster refunds, instant document access, proactive tax planning, and easier benefits management.
Use our step-by-step guide to register for a CRA My Account through your preferred method, complete identity verification, set up security options, and start accessing your tax details digitally.
With a CRA My Account, you can save time, reduce stress, and fully control your tax matters in one place. Sign up today and make tax season easier!
FAQs related to CRA My Account
Here are answers to some common questions about CRA My Accounts:
How long does signup take?
The registration process takes 10-15 minutes if verifying your ID instantly online. If you receive a security code by mail, the total signup time is 5-10 business days.
Can I access it on mobile?
Yes, the CRA My Account website and portal are mobile-friendly. You can log in securely on smartphones and tablets.
What if I forget my user ID or password?
You can recover your user ID or reset your password using automated online options or by contacting the CRA.
Can I apply for the Canada Child Benefit?
Yes, a CRA My Account allows you to apply for, manage, and track the Canada Child Benefit and other benefits completely online.
