How to Register for a CRA My Account After Filing Your Tax Return in Canada

If you have just filed your taxes for the first time in Canada, the next important step is to register for a CRA My Account. This online portal provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows you to manage your tax and benefit information easily.

Registering for a CRA My Account gives you access to essential services like:
✔ Viewing your Notice of Assessment (NOA)
✔ Checking your tax return status
✔ Updating your direct deposit information
✔ Managing your Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST credits, and other government payments
✔ Viewing and printing tax slips (T4, T4A, T5, etc.)
✔ Checking and managing RRSP and TFSA contribution limits

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of registering for a CRA My Account after filing your first tax return.

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before you start the registration process, make sure you have the following:

✅ Social Insurance Number (SIN) – This is required to verify your identity.
✅ Date of Birth – Ensure you enter it correctly as per government records.
✅ Postal Code – The one linked to your tax return or current address.
✅ Access to Your Most Recent Tax Return – You will need information from a specific line on your tax return (e.g., Line 15000 from your last return).

If you filed your first tax return recently, wait until CRA processes it before registering. This can take up to 8 weeks for first-time filers.

Step 2: Register for CRA My Account

Option 1: Sign-In Partner (Recommended for Faster Access)

CRA allows you to register using your online banking credentials. This is a quick and secure way to log in. If you use online banking with one of the CRA-approved financial institutions, follow these steps:

1. Go to CRA My Account

2. Click "Sign in with a Sign-In Partner"

3. Select your bank (e.g., RBC, TD, CIBC, Scotiabank, etc.)

4. Log in using your online banking credentials

5. Follow the instructions to verify your identity

You will have immediate access to some of the services without waiting for a security code in the mail.

Option 2: CRA User ID and Password (Manual Registration)

If you don’t want to use your online banking, you can create a CRA account manually:

1. Visit CRA My Account

2. Click "CRA User ID and password"

3. Enter your SIN, Date of Birth, and Postal Code

4. Provide an amount from your last tax return for identity verification

5. Set up security questions and answers

6. You will receive a security code in the mail within 5–10 business days

Step 3: Enter the Security Code (Final Activation)

Once you receive the CRA security code in the mail:

1. Log in to CRA My Account

2. Enter the security code provided in the letter

3. Your account will be fully activated, granting you access to all CRA online services

What If You Can’t Register Online?

If you have trouble registering online, you can call the CRA Individual Tax Enquiries Line:
📞 1-800-959-8281 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM, local time)

A CRA agent can help you register over the phone.

Additional Tips for Using CRA My Account

✅ Set Up Direct Deposit – To receive refunds, benefits, or GST credits faster
✅ Link to My Service Canada Account – Easily access EI, CPP, and OAS benefits
✅ Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds extra security to your account
✅ Keep Your Information Updated – Ensure your mailing address and contact details are correct