Learn about your taxes
Using My Account
The services available through this online portal, how to access them, and why you may want to register.
Registering for My Account - Lesson completed
What you need to register, the different sign-in options, and the measures in place to protect your information.
Time to complete: about 7 minutes
This lesson includes
-
5 sections
- 1 question to test yourself
Resources: Registering for My Account
Registering for My Account (part 1 of 5)
Available sign-in options
There are 3 different ways to sign in to My Account. Whichever option you choose, you will access the same information and services.
The 3 options are:
- Using one of our sign-in partners
This option lets you sign in or register with the same sign-in information you use for other online services (for example, online banking). - Using a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) user ID and password
This option lets you create a CRA user ID and password just for online services with the CRA. - Using a provincial partner (residents of Alberta and British Columbia only)
This option lets you use your MyAlberta Digital ID or BC Services Card to sign in to My Account.
Note: Before you can register using sign in options 1 or 2, you must have filed your income tax and benefit return for the current tax year or the previous one.
Income tax and benefit return
- Income tax and benefit return
Example: Using the sign-in partner service
Kai is registered for online banking with one of the financial institutions listed as a sign-in partner with the CRA. They chose to use this option when they registered for My Account. They now enter the same sign-in information they use for their online banking to sign in to My Account.
Below is an example of the My Account for individuals sign-in page:
Details of the example showing the sign-in options
- Sign in to My Account
- Sign-in Partner
- Sign in or register with the same sign-in information you use for other online services (for example, online banking).
- CRA user ID and password
- Sign in with your CRA user ID and password, or register.
- Provincial partner (BC, AB)
- Sign in with your Alberta.ca Account or BC Services Card.
Register for My Account
Register if you don’t already have:
- My Account
- My Business Account
- Represent a client
Resources are available
After you finish this lesson, these resource links will be available:
- Using a Sign-in Partner
- Provincial Partners Help and FAQS
Registering for My Account (part 2 of 5)
What you need to register
Registering for My Account is a 2-step process.
- Step 1: Entering your personal information
- Step 2: Choose a verification option
Once you complete Step 1, you will have limited access to My Account. This means that you can see only certain information. You will need to complete your registration if you want to use all the available services.
To complete Step 1 of registering for My Account, you will need:
- your social insurance number (SIN)
- your date of birth
- your current postal code or ZIP code
- the amount on line 15000 from the tax return you filed for the current year or the previous year
- an amount you entered on your tax return
- Be sure to have your tax returns on hand as the system won’t always ask for the same line and it could be from the current tax year or the previous one.
- your email address
Social insurance number (SIN)
- Social insurance number (SIN)
Tax year
- Tax year
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete Step 1 of the registration process, as they vary slightly depending on which option you choose.
Note: As of February 2022, the CRA requires that My Account users have an email address on file to help protect their online accounts from fraudulent activity.
Resources are available
After you finish this lesson, this resource link will be available:
- Registration process to access the CRA sign-in services
Registering for My Account (part 3 of 5)
Choosing a verification option
Step 2 of the registration process is to verify your identity in order to gain full access to all the services available in My Account.
You choose one of the 2 verification options:
- the Interac document verification service
- a CRA security code
Note: If you registered using a provincial partner, this option does not require a CRA security code.
Interac document verification service
This option validates your identity in real-time so you do not need to wait for a CRA security code to be mailed to you. This service can only be used by persons age 16 or older. To use this service you will complete the following steps:
- use a mobile device to take a picture of your government-issued photo identification (ID)
- take a picture of yourself to validate your identity
Accepted government-issued photo identification:
- Canadian passport
- Canadian driver’s license
- Provincial or territorial photo ID card
CRA security code by mail
If you choose this option, once you complete Step 1 of the registration process for My Account, the system automatically issues you a CRA security code. The CRA sends this code by mail and it should arrive within 10 business days.
This code has an expiry date. Enter the code before it expires, or you will have to contact the CRA to have a new code issued to you.
If you decide to register for My Account using another sign-in option, you can still reuse the security code that was mailed to you until it expires.
Tip
Your security code will be mailed to the address the CRA has on file for you. If you have moved recently, update your address by contacting the CRA before registering for My Account.
If you receive a security code in the mail when you did not recently register for any of the CRA’s online services, contact the CRA right away.
Resources are available
After you finish this lesson, this resource link will be available:
- Contacting the CRA
- Update your address
Where do you enter your CRA security code
After receiving your CRA security code, go to the My Account sign-in page. Choose the option you chose in Step 1 of the registration process and sign in. Follow the instructions and enter your security code when prompted.
Test yourself
Sorry, that's incorrect.
You must enter your CRA security code to get full access to the services in My Account, but you do not need to enter it each time you sign in. However, you can keep the security code and reuse it until it expires, if needed.
That's correct.
Answer: "No"
You must enter your CRA security code to get full access to the services in My Account, but you do not need to enter it each time you sign in. However, you can keep the security code and reuse it until it expires, if needed.
Registering for My Account (part 4 of 5)
Using multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication is an enhanced security measure used throughout the CRA’s sign-in services. It helps to ensure the safety and protection of your information. It involves verifying your identity more than one way.
You choose how to verify your identify when you register for My Account.
You can choose to use either:
- a one-time passcode
- a passcode grid
Using a one-time passcode
If you choose this option, you will need to provide at least one cell or landline phone number. When you sign in to My Account, the system will send you a one-time passcode.
Protect yourself
The CRA will not call and ask you to provide your one-time passcode or your passcode grid over the phone. You should never share them with anyone.
Using a passcode grid
If you choose this option, the system will create a unique passcode grid for you. The grid is a table made up of numbered rows and lettered columns, like a bingo card.
It is important to either save or print this passcode grid.
Resources are available
After you finish this lesson, this resource link will be available:
- Multi-factor authentication
Registering for My Account (part 5 of 5)
Protecting your sign-in information
When you register for My Account, your sign-in information allows you to access your own personal information.
You should be careful not to share your:
- social insurance number
- personal tax information
- CRA security code
- CRA user ID or password
- sign-in partner information
Someone could use this information to change your personal information on file with the CRA. This could cause significant problems like fraud or identity theft. Also, you could miss out on payments you’re entitled to and have to go through many steps to correct your account.
Protect yourself
Make sure to click “Sign out” once you are finished with your My Account if you are using a public computer, like in a library or a school. You should also clear the browser’s cache (the temporary data stored in your computer’s memory) or close and reopen the browser to help keep your information secure.
Letting someone access your tax information
If you want to give someone else (like a friend or a family member) access to your tax information, you can authorize them as your representative. This gives them access to your account with the CRA. You can also cancel this access whenever you feel it is necessary.
If your authorized representative wants to see your information online, they have to use the CRA’s Represent a Client portal.
Resources are available
After you finish this lesson, these resource links will be available:
- Authorize a representative
- Represent a Client
Making the most of My Account - Lesson completed
What My Account is and what you can do using this online portal.
Time to complete: about 5 minutes
This lesson includes
-
3 sections
- 1 question to test yourself
Resources: Making the most of My Account
Making the most of My Account (part 1 of 3)
My Account explained
My Account is the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) secure online portal for individuals. It lets you view your own personal income tax and benefit information and manage your own tax account.
My Account is:
- convenient
My Account is available 21 hours a day (from 6 am to 3 am Eastern standard time), 7 days a week, so you can pick a time that works for you - easy to use
It takes only a few clicks to see your information and request changes - fast
Your information is available in real-time and you can process some actions like a change of address, immediately - secure
The CRA has multiple security features in place to protect your information
Resources are available
After you finish this lesson, this resource link will be available:
- My Account for individuals
Making the most of My Account (part 2 of 3)
What you can do using My Account
My Account lets you see your income tax and benefit information online. You can also make changes to your CRA account yourself.
Once the CRA has assessed your taxes, you can see the details online. However, you cannot do your taxes using My Account. If you want to do your taxes online, you need to use certified tax software.
Fast fact
If you are registered for My Account and use certified tax software, you can use Auto-fill my return. This service lets you automatically fill in parts of your tax return with information the CRA has available. This means you don’t have to manually enter all the information from your slips. When using this service, make sure the CRA has all your slips on file and correct information.
You can access many different services in My Account.
Services | Limited service (no security code needed) |
Full service (security code needed) |
---|---|---|
Verify the status of your tax return | ||
View your detailed notice of assessment or reassessment | ||
View your proof of income statement | ||
View your information slips | ||
View your carryforward amounts | ||
View the deduction limit for your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) | ||
View detailed information about your tax-free savings account (TFSA) | ||
View account balance and statement of account | ||
View the status of files that you have submitted to the CRA (Progress tracker) |
Information slip
- Information slip
Carryforward amounts
- Carryforward amounts
Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)
- Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)
Tax-free savings account (TFSA)
- Tax-free savings account (TFSA)
Protect yourself
Your CRA account balance is updated daily in My Account. You can check it if you have doubts about a message claiming to be from the CRA.
Services | Limited service (no security code needed) |
Full service (security code needed) |
---|---|---|
Change your tax return | ||
Pay by pre-authorized debit (create new agreement) | ||
Pay by pre-authorized debit (manage active agreements, view inactive agreements) |
Services | Limited service (no security code needed) |
Full service (security code needed) |
---|---|---|
Apply for the Canada child benefit (CCB) | ||
Check your benefit and credit payments | ||
View your disability tax credit (DTC) information | ||
View and update children in your care |
Canada child benefit (CCB)
- Canada child benefit (CCB)
Services | Limited service (no security code needed) |
Full service (security code needed) |
---|---|---|
View or update your address | ||
Arrange your direct deposit (start, update, stop) | ||
Change your marital status |
Services | Limited service (no security code needed) |
Full service (security code needed) |
---|---|---|
Submit documents to the CRA online | ||
Get your CRA mail online | ||
Create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to quickly confirm your identity when you call the CRA |
Test yourself
Sorry, that's incorrect.
You can use My Account to verify the status of the tax return you filed or to view and change your tax return, but you cannot use it to do your taxes.
If you want to do your taxes electronically, you need to use certified tax software. If you are registered for My Account and use certified tax software, you can use Auto-fill my return.
That's correct.
Answer: "No"
You can use My Account to verify the status of the tax return you filed or to view and change your tax return, but you cannot use it to do your taxes.
If you want to do your taxes electronically, you need to use certified tax software. If you are registered for My Account and use certified tax software, you can use Auto-fill my return.
Resources are available
After you finish this lesson, this resource link will be available:
- About My Account
Making the most of My Account (part 3 of 3)
Providing an email address in My Account
To make your account more secure, email addresses in My Account are now required
As of February 2022, the CRA requires My Account users to have an email address on file to help protect their online accounts from fraudulent activity.
Protect yourself
The CRA only sends emails in a few situations, and they won’t include your personal information.
The CRA may email you:
- email notifications (only if you are signed up for electronic delivery with My Account)
- a link to a webpage or an online form (only if you requested it during a telephone call or a meeting with a CRA agent)
- follow-up information (only after you participate in certain CRA webinars)
- a consent form to meet with someone from the CRA via videoconference (only after you’ve agreed to provide your email address)
- details about tax credits and benefits for individuals and the CRA’s online services, such as My Account
Receiving CRA mail electronically
If your correspondence preferences are set to “Electronic mail,” you will get an email letting you know that you have mail in My Account when it’s available. The only way to read your online mail, like your notice of assessment, is by using My Account. You will not receive a paper copy of most CRA mail.
Notice of assessment
- Notice of assessment
If you still want to receive your mail from the CRA by paper, make sure “Electronic mail” is not ticked in your correspondence preferences. Your mail will still be available to view in My Account, but you will not receive an email notification about it.
Example: Checking your tax and benefit information
Diego did his taxes online at the beginning of April. His correspondence preferences are set to “Electronic mail.” He received an email advising that he had mail to view in his My Account a few weeks later. Diego read his notice of assessment online by signing in to his My Account. When Diego signed in again at the end of June, he could also check the status of his GST/HST credit payment scheduled for July 5. Diego did all these things right on his phone and saved time by avoiding the need to call the CRA and accessing his own information online.
GST/HST credit
- GST/HST credit
Resources are available
After you finish this lesson, these resource links will be available:
- Email notifications from the CRA
Quiz: Using My Account
Take the quiz after you’ve finished all the lessons for: Using My Account.
Show the quiz: Using My Account Hide the quiz: Using My Account
Your quiz results:
- You answered 01234 out of 4 questions correctly
Quiz: Using My Account (4 questions)
Put your knowledge to the test.
Question 1
Sorry, that's incorrect.
My Account lets you access your own personal information. If you want to give someone access to your information (such as a friend or a family member), they have to use the portal called Represent a Client.
That's correct.
Answer: "No"
My Account lets you access your own personal information. If you want to give someone access to your information (such as a friend or a family member), they have to use the portal called Represent a Client.
Question 2
Sorry, that's incorrect.
The correct answer is “A, B, D”:
- A. Check your benefit and credit payments
- B. Get your notice of assessment online
- D. View and change your tax return
You cannot apply for your passport through My Account. The CRA does not administer passport applications.
Sorry, that's incorrect.
The correct answer is “A, B, D”:
- A. Check your benefit and credit payments
- B. Get your notice of assessment online
- D. View and change your tax return
You cannot apply for your passport through My Account. The CRA does not administer passport applications.
That's correct.
Answer: "A, B, and D"
These are all services available in My Account.
You cannot apply for your passport through My Account. The CRA does not administer passport applications.
Sorry, that's incorrect.
The correct answer is “A, B, D”:
- A. Check your benefit and credit payments
- B. Get your notice of assessment online
- D. View and change your tax return
You cannot apply for your passport through My Account. The CRA does not administer passport applications.
Question 3
Sorry, that's incorrect.
You enter your SIN when you complete Step 1 of registering for My Account, but you will only have limited access to your online services.
The system will issue you a CRA security code. You must enter this code before it expires to get full access to your online services.
Sorry, that's incorrect.
You do not need to enter your mother’s maiden name at any point during the registration process. The CRA does not have access to this information.
The system will issue you a CRA security code. You must enter this code before it expires to get full access to your online services.
Sorry, that's incorrect.
You do not need to enter your direct deposit information at any point during the registration process. You can update this information with the CRA after you have full access to your online services.
The system will issue you a CRA security code. You must enter this code before it expires to get full access to your online services.
That's correct.
Answer: "Your CRA security code"
The system will issue you a CRA security code. You must enter this code before it expires to get full access to your online services.
Question 4
Sorry, that's incorrect.
The security measure is known as multi-factor authentication, and it is used throughout the CRA’s sign-in services.
That's correct.
Answer: "Multi-factor authentication"
This security measure is used throughout the CRA’s sign-in services.
Sorry, that's incorrect.
The security measure is known as multi-factor authentication, and it is used throughout the CRA’s sign-in services.
Sorry, that's incorrect.
The security measure is known as multi-factor authentication, and it is used throughout the CRA’s sign-in services.
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