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How to Register and Sign In to CRA My Account

Updated

Registering for CRA My Account takes one of two routes: signing in through your bank as a Sign-In Partner, or creating a CRA user ID and password. Either way the CRA checks your identity against what it already has on file, and the CRA user ID route can add a security code sent by mail. This page covers registration and sign-in only; what you can do once you are in (registered account room, assessments, slips, Auto-fill my return) is on the guide to using CRA My Account. Both are part of the Dealing with the CRA directory.

Two ways to register

MethodHow it worksWho it suits
Sign-In Partner (bank)Use your existing online banking login to authenticateMost Canadians with one of the major banks
CRA user ID and passwordCreate a separate CRA loginAnyone who prefers not to link banking credentials
GCKeyGovernment-wide digital identity credentialThose who already have a GCKey account

Option 1: Sign-In Partner

StepAction
1Go to canada.ca/my-cra-account
2Click Sign-In Partner
3Choose your bank
4Log in with bank credentials
5CRA verifies identity
6Complete registration

If your bank is a participating Sign-In Partner, you log in with your online banking credentials, with no separate CRA password and no wait for a code by mail.

Participating Sign-In Partners include: RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank, Desjardins, National Bank, Affinity Credit Union, ATB Financial, and others.

Option 2: CRA user ID

  1. Go to canada.ca, search “My Account” and select “My Account for individuals”
  2. Click “Register” under the CRA login option
  3. Enter your Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, and your current or most recent postal code
  4. Enter information from your most recent tax return to verify your identity (the CRA will ask for a line amount from your T1)
  5. Create a CRA user ID and password
  6. The CRA will mail a security code to your address on file; this takes 5 to 10 business days
  7. Log in and enter the code to activate full access

Identity verification

Information needed

ItemDetails
SINSocial Insurance Number
Date of birthAs on file with CRA
Current postal codeAs on file
Tax return infoFrom prior return

From your prior return

InfoWhy needed
Line from returnVerifies identity
AmountSpecific dollar amount
YearWhich tax year

The CRA mails the security code to the address it has on file, so an out-of-date address delays registration; updating it is covered in how to change your address with the CRA.

If you can’t verify online

AlternativeProcess
Security code by mail5-10 business days
In-personService Canada office
Call CRASometimes possible

First-time filers with no prior return on file

If you have never filed a Canadian tax return, the CRA has no prior-year data to verify your identity against, so you cannot use the Sign-In Partner login. Instead:

  1. Register for a CRA user ID at canada.ca/my-cra-account
  2. The CRA mails a security code to your address within 5 to 10 business days
  3. Enter the code to complete your account setup
  4. File your first return through NETFILE-certified software

After you register

Most people’s next steps are setting up CRA direct deposit for refunds and benefits, and linking their tax software for Auto-fill my return, which the My Account features guide explains.

Locked out or can’t sign in

IssueSolution
Forgot passwordReset online
Too many attemptsWait and retry
Revoked IDCreate new or call
Verification failedCall CRA

If you forget your password, the “Forgot password” link on the CRA login page sends a reset link or code to your email or phone. If your account is locked because of suspicious activity, the CRA’s individual tax enquiries line can unlock it after verifying your identity; the number and hours are on the CRA contact information page.