What the CRA Is, and How to Set Up Your CRA Account
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is the organization behind your tax return, your benefit payments and your notice of assessment. Its online CRA account is useful, but as a newcomer you may not be able to register for it yet. Here is what to know.
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What the CRA is
The CRA administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories. It also administers social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system [1]. For you, that means your tax return, your benefit and credit payments and your notice of assessment. Quebec residents also deal with Revenu Québec for their provincial return. See Filing Your First Canadian Tax Return.
When can you register?
My Account is an online portal in your CRA account that lets you view and manage your personal income tax and benefit information [5]. To register you need your date of birth, your social insurance number, amounts you reported on your most recent tax return from within the last 2 years, and at least one multi-factor authentication option [2].
After your first return is processed, you receive a notice of assessment. The CRA suggests registering with its document verification service for faster access [4].
Ways to sign in
- CRA user ID and password. You create your own credentials [2].
- Sign-In Partner. You use your existing online banking credentials from a participating financial institution [2].
- Provincial partner. You use an Alberta.ca Account or a BC Services Card [2].
Multi-factor authentication
Every sign-in requires a one-time passcode in addition to your password. First-time users enrol in two multi-factor authentication options from a third-party authentication app, a passcode grid or a phone [2]. The CRA also asks you to add a backup option [5]. If you register with a CRA user ID, the CRA mails a security code to the address it has on file within 10 business days [2], so make sure your address is current.
What you can do in your account
Before you complete identity verification you have limited access to services. Some services need full access [6].
| Access level | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Limited access | View the status of your tax return, view your notice of assessment or reassessment, view your RRSP deduction limit and TFSA contribution room, request a remittance voucher, set up pre-authorized debit and manage notification preferences [6] |
| Full access | Everything in limited access, plus view your tax information slips, change your return, view and update your address and phone numbers, arrange direct deposit, view a proof of income statement, apply for child benefits and view and update children in your care [6] |
Keep your account secure
- Don't share your SIN, personal tax information, CRA security code or your user ID and password with anyone [7].
- The CRA will never ask you to provide your personal information by email. If you get such a request, don't respond [7].
- Sign out when you finish, especially on a public computer, where you should also clear your browser cache [7].
- Only authorized representatives can access My Account on someone else's behalf [5].
Sources
Numbered references such as [1] in the guide match this list. We last reviewed this guide against these sources on . Official pages change, so open the source before you act. See our editorial standards for how we choose and check sources.
Canada Revenue Agency
Tax tip: taxes made simple for newcomers to Canada (opens in a new tab)canada.ca
Canada Revenue Agency
New to Canada and filing a tax return for the first time? Here's what you need to know (opens in a new tab)canada.ca
Navak provides general information only. It is not legal, immigration, financial or tax advice.
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