CRA My Account is the most powerful free tax tool available to Canadians—yet most people barely scratch the surface of what it can do. Whether you're checking RRSP contribution room, viewing past tax returns, or setting up benefit payments, this guide shows you how to master every feature.
📅 Key 2025 Tax Deadlines (Canada)
- •April 30, 2026: Filing deadline for most Canadians (2025 tax return) + any balance owing due
- •June 15, 2026: Filing deadline for self-employed individuals — but any taxes owed are still due April 30
- •March 3, 2026: RRSP contribution deadline (last day to contribute to reduce 2025 taxable income)
- •December 31, 2025: TFSA contribution deadline for the 2025 tax year
What You Can Do in CRA My Account
CRA My Account gives you 24/7 access to your tax information and government benefits. Here are the most valuable features every Canadian should know:
| Feature | What You Can Do | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of Assessment (NOA) | View tax return results, refunds, balances owing | High |
| RRSP Contribution Room | See exactly how much you can contribute | High |
| TFSA Contribution Room | Track your TFSA limit and avoid over-contributions | High |
| Direct Deposit | Get refunds & benefits deposited automatically | High |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Apply for and manage child benefit payments | Medium |
| File Tax Return (NETFILE) | Submit returns online through certified software | High |
| Change Tax Return (ReFILE) | Correct errors in previously filed returns | Medium |
| Payment History | Track all payments made to and from CRA | Medium |
| Update Address | Change address for all government services at once | Medium |
| Authorize Representative | Give accountant or family member secure access | Medium |
Pro Tip: Check Before RRSP Season
The #1 most valuable feature is checking your RRSP contribution room before making contributions. Over-contributing costs you 1% per month penalty on the excess. Check your room in My Account before the RRSP deadline (March 3, 2026 for the 2025 tax year) every year.
Personalized CRA My Account Checklist
Not sure which features apply to you? Use our interactive checklist to identify which CRA My Account tasks are relevant for your situation.
CRA My Account Task Checklist
Select the tasks that apply to your situation to see which CRA My Account features you should use.
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View Notice of Assessment (NOA)
Tax ReturnsCheck your tax return results, refund amount, and any balances owing
Check RRSP Contribution Room
Registered AccountsSee how much you can contribute to your RRSP this year
Check TFSA Contribution Room
Registered AccountsView your available TFSA contribution space
Check FHSA Contribution Room
Registered AccountsSee your First Home Savings Account limits (if opened)
Apply for Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
BenefitsRegister for monthly tax-free payments if you have children under 18
Check GST/HST Credit Status
BenefitsSee if you qualify for quarterly GST/HST credit payments
Set Up Direct Deposit
Account SetupGet tax refunds and benefit payments deposited directly to your bank
Update Address or Personal Info
Account SetupKeep your contact information current with CRA
File Your Tax Return (NETFILE)
Tax ReturnsSubmit your tax return online using certified software
View Payment History
Tax ReturnsTrack all payments you've made to CRA and refunds received
Make Tax Instalment Payment
PaymentsPay quarterly tax instalments if you owe more than $3,000
Set Up Payment Arrangement
PaymentsArrange a payment plan if you can't pay your tax debt in full
Request Change to Tax Return
Tax ReturnsCorrect errors or add missing information to previously filed returns
Authorize a Representative
Account SetupGive your accountant or family member access to your tax information
How to use this checklist: Click on any task that applies to your situation. This will help you identify which CRA My Account features are most relevant for you.
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How to Register for CRA My Account
There are two ways to register for CRA My Account. Both are free and secure.
Sign-In Partner (Recommended)
Fastest and easiest method - use your existing bank login
How It Works:
- Go to canada.ca/cra-my-account
- Click "CRA sign-in" then choose "Sign-In Partner"
- Select your financial institution (bank, credit union, or investment firm)
- Log in using your online banking credentials
- Complete the one-time identity verification
- You're done! Future logins use your bank credentials
Advantages: No separate password to remember, instant access, uses your bank's multi-factor authentication for maximum security.
Supported institutions: TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, National Bank, Desjardins, Tangerine, Simplii, EQ Bank, Wealthsimple, Questrade, and many more.
CRA User ID and Password
Create separate CRA credentials (if you don't bank online)
How It Works:
- Go to canada.ca/cra-my-account and click "Register"
- Enter your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Answer security questions from a recent tax return
- Create a CRA user ID and password
- Set up security questions for account recovery
- CRA will mail you a security code (arrives in 5-10 business days)
- Enter the security code to activate your account
Note: This method takes longer (5-10 days for mail) and requires managing another password. Most Canadians prefer the Sign-In Partner method for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is CRA My Account safe to use?
A:Yes, CRA My Account is very safe and uses bank-level security. It requires multi-factor authentication through a Sign-In Partner (like your bank) or CRA sign-in credentials. All connections are encrypted, and the CRA never asks for personal information by email or phone. To stay safe, always access My Account by typing canada.ca into your browser directly - never click links in emails claiming to be from CRA, as these are often phishing scams.
Q:What is the CRA business number and do I need one for My Account?
A:The CRA business number is a 9-digit identifier used for businesses, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. You do NOT need a business number to access CRA My Account as an individual. CRA My Account for individuals uses your Social Insurance Number (SIN) for login. If you run a business, you would register for My Business Account separately using your business number, which is different from the individual My Account.
Q:Can someone else access my CRA My Account?
A:Not unless you specifically authorize them. You can grant access to a representative (like an accountant or family member) through the 'Authorize a representative' feature in My Account. They will need to be registered as a Represent a Client user with CRA. You can set different levels of access and revoke authorization at any time. Never share your CRA login credentials directly - always use the official authorization system to grant access securely.
Q:What do I do if I'm locked out of my CRA My Account?
A:If you're locked out, you have several options: (1) If using a Sign-In Partner (bank login), try resetting your bank password first. (2) If using CRA credentials, use the 'Forgot your password' link to reset via security questions. (3) If you've exceeded login attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. (4) Call CRA's Individual Enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281 for help. (5) Visit a Service Canada office in person with two pieces of ID to reset your account. Most lockouts are temporary and resolve within 24 hours.
Q:How do I register for CRA My Account if I've never filed taxes?
A:You must file at least one tax return before you can register for CRA My Account. The registration process requires information from a previous tax return for identity verification. If you've never filed taxes, you need to file your first return (even if your income was zero) either on paper or through certified tax software. Once CRA processes your return (usually 2-4 weeks for NETFILE, 8-12 weeks for paper), you'll be able to register for My Account using information from that return.
Q:Can I view my spouse's tax information in CRA My Account?
A:No, each person must have their own CRA My Account login, even if you're married or common-law. Tax information is personal and confidential. However, your spouse can authorize you as their representative, which allows you to view their tax information and even file returns on their behalf (with limits you both agree to). This is useful for couples who have one person managing household finances. The authorization is done through the 'Authorize a representative' feature and can be revoked at any time.
Question: Is CRA My Account safe to use?
Answer: Yes, CRA My Account is very safe and uses bank-level security. It requires multi-factor authentication through a Sign-In Partner (like your bank) or CRA sign-in credentials. All connections are encrypted, and the CRA never asks for personal information by email or phone. To stay safe, always access My Account by typing canada.ca into your browser directly - never click links in emails claiming to be from CRA, as these are often phishing scams.
Question: What is the CRA business number and do I need one for My Account?
Answer: The CRA business number is a 9-digit identifier used for businesses, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. You do NOT need a business number to access CRA My Account as an individual. CRA My Account for individuals uses your Social Insurance Number (SIN) for login. If you run a business, you would register for My Business Account separately using your business number, which is different from the individual My Account.
Question: Can someone else access my CRA My Account?
Answer: Not unless you specifically authorize them. You can grant access to a representative (like an accountant or family member) through the 'Authorize a representative' feature in My Account. They will need to be registered as a Represent a Client user with CRA. You can set different levels of access and revoke authorization at any time. Never share your CRA login credentials directly - always use the official authorization system to grant access securely.
Question: What do I do if I'm locked out of my CRA My Account?
Answer: If you're locked out, you have several options: (1) If using a Sign-In Partner (bank login), try resetting your bank password first. (2) If using CRA credentials, use the 'Forgot your password' link to reset via security questions. (3) If you've exceeded login attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. (4) Call CRA's Individual Enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281 for help. (5) Visit a Service Canada office in person with two pieces of ID to reset your account. Most lockouts are temporary and resolve within 24 hours.
Question: How do I register for CRA My Account if I've never filed taxes?
Answer: You must file at least one tax return before you can register for CRA My Account. The registration process requires information from a previous tax return for identity verification. If you've never filed taxes, you need to file your first return (even if your income was zero) either on paper or through certified tax software. Once CRA processes your return (usually 2-4 weeks for NETFILE, 8-12 weeks for paper), you'll be able to register for My Account using information from that return.
Question: Can I view my spouse's tax information in CRA My Account?
Answer: No, each person must have their own CRA My Account login, even if you're married or common-law. Tax information is personal and confidential. However, your spouse can authorize you as their representative, which allows you to view their tax information and even file returns on their behalf (with limits you both agree to). This is useful for couples who have one person managing household finances. The authorization is done through the 'Authorize a representative' feature and can be revoked at any time.
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Need Help Understanding Your Tax Situation?
CRA My Account is powerful, but interpreting the information can be complex. Our Certified Financial Planners can help you understand your NOA, optimize RRSP contributions, and plan for taxes.