"My Account": Online Access to your CRA Account

Your online account at the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) allows you to access, view, change, and print almost all information available at the CRA on your file. This is similar to the information that your accountant can view; however, your accountant is not able to perform certain functions, such as changing your marital status or your direct deposit information.

Registration process

In order to access your account, you must first register with the CRA by confirming your identify.

After you confirm your SIN and other personal information, including some Line numbers from a prior year tax return, you may then create a CRA user ID or you may choose to log in through one of CRA’s Sign-In Partners, which are large financial institutions. Note that if you use the latter option, that your sign-in credentials are entered on the website of the financial institution; CRA does not obtain access to your bank information or account.

Available Sign-In Partners are:

If you choose to create a CRA ID, then CRA will then mail you a PIN to continue with registration.

Why I Should Register

Some of the services and information available to you through your online account include:

• Viewing your payment dates and amounts for expected refunds and benefits (eg. Canada child benefit, GST credit)

• Viewing your tax returns and assessments for the past 10 years

• Easily requesting T1 Adjustments to amend previously filed and assessed returns

• Obtaining a “Proof of Income” statement

• Review your RRSP and TFSA contribution limits

• Change your marital status

• View your CRA mail, such as your Notice of Assessment or Notice of Benefits

It is optional whether you wish to receive a paper copy of your Notice of Assessment in the mail or electronically. If you have chosen to receive your mail electronically, then you will receive emails from CRA that would alert you to log in to your online account here, although in order to access that notice, you must then ensure that you are registered for an account.

Remember: CRA will never include a link to their website in their email, or ask for any personal information through email, for security purposes, although they will email you to let you know that you have mail in your online CRA My Account.

As always, if you have any questions about this post, please contact us for more information!