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How to Register and Use CRA My Account in Canada

📋 Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. We are not affiliated with any government agency. Always verify information on official government websites and consult a professional for legal or financial advice.

CRA My Account is the Canada Revenue Agency’s secure online portal where you can view your tax returns, check benefits and credits, update personal information, and set up direct deposit — all in one place.

📋 What You Need to Register
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Date of birth
  • Current postal code
  • Amount from a tax return you filed in the last 2 years (line 15000)
  • Email address and phone number

How to Create Your CRA My Account

1

Go to the CRA website

Visit canada.ca/my-cra-account — always use Canada.ca official domain. Click “CRA register” under the My Account section.

2

Enter your SIN and personal details

Input your 9-digit Social Insurance Number, date of birth, and postal code. These must exactly match CRA records. New Canadians without a previous tax return will need to mail a registration request first.

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3

Answer the security verification question

CRA will ask for a dollar amount from line 15000 (total income) of your most recently assessed tax return. This confirms your identity without requiring photo ID.

4

Create your CRA user ID and password

Choose a unique CRA user ID (not your email) and a strong password. CRA also supports Sign-In Partners — your online banking login — which many Canadians find easier to use.

5

Wait for your security code (mail or instant)

If you register directly, CRA mails a security code to your address on file — takes 5–10 business days. To skip the wait, use the Sign-In Partner (bank login) option, which gives instant access.

What You Can Do in CRA My Account

  • View your Notice of Assessment after filing
  • Check GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and other benefit payments
  • Set up direct deposit so refunds and benefits go straight to your bank
  • View and download T4 slips and other tax slips
  • Check RRSP and TFSA contribution room
  • Update your address, marital status, and banking information
  • Register for email notifications instead of paper mail
💡 New to Canada? If you just arrived and have not filed a tax return yet, you cannot register online. Contact CRA at 1-800-959-8281 and they will mail you a registration code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use My Account before filing my first tax return?

Yes, but only by calling CRA first. They will mail you an access code. After you file your first return and it is assessed, you can register online normally.

I forgot my CRA user ID. How do I recover it?

On the login page, click “Forgot your CRA user ID?” You will need to verify your identity again with your SIN and postal code. Alternatively, use your bank’s Sign-In Partner login instead.

Is it safe to link my bank account as a Sign-In Partner?

Yes. The Sign-In Partner option uses your bank’s existing security system. CRA does not access your bank account — it only uses the login to verify your identity.

This guide is part of our Canada guides hub. Continue with our guide on filing your Canadian income tax return with NETFILE.

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