Canada Revenue Agency
www.cra.gc.ca
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Registration process to access the CRA login services
- How do I register for a CRA user ID and password?
- What do you mean by current postal code or ZIP code?
- How do I get a CRA security code?
- I am visually impaired. Can I receive my CRA security code in an alternate format?
- I have forgotten or misplaced my password and/or my user ID. Is there any way that I can recover them?
- How do I revoke or change my CRA user ID or password or manage my security questions?
1. How do I register for a CRA user ID and password?
My Account for Individuals / My Business Account
You will have to complete four steps to register for a CRA user ID and password for My Account for Individuals or My Business Account.
Step 1 – The CRA will ask you to provide:
- your social insurance number;
- your date of birth;
- your current postal code or ZIP code and;
- an amount you entered on your income tax and benefit return, so have your copy on hand (the line requested will vary and it could be from either the current tax year or the previous one).
Step 2 – Create a CRA user ID and password
Create a CRA user ID and password using the user ID and password checklists.
Step 3 – Create your security questions and answers
Select and answer security questions. You can also decide if you want a persistent cookie added to your computer, so that you can access the CRA login services using that same computer in the future without being asked for any further identification.
Step 4 – Receive and enter the CRA security code
The CRA will mail you a CRA security code within approximately five business days (15 days if you are outside Canada or the United States). The CRA security code will be sent to your mailing address currently on record with the CRA. Have you moved recently?
To activate your CRA user ID and password, return to the CRA's My Account for Individuals or My Business Account's Web page to enter your CRA security code and access your personal information.
To access the CRA login services anytime in the future, simply return to the CRA login services page, select the service you want to use, and login using your CRA user ID and password.
Note
For My Business Account you will also need to enter your Business Number.
Represent a Client
You will have to complete three steps to register for a CRA user ID and password for Represent a Client.
Step 1 – The CRA will ask you to provide:
- the eight-character access code from your Notice of Assessment; and
- your postal code or ZIP code.
Step 2 – Create a CRA user ID and password
Create a CRA user ID and password using the user ID and password checklists.
Step 3 – Create your security questions and answers
Select and answer security questions. You can also decide if you want a persistent cookie added to your computer, so that you can access the CRA login services using that same computer in the future without being asked for any further identification.
To access the service anytime in the future, simply return to the Represent a Client home page and login using your CRA user ID and password.
2. What do you mean by current postal code or ZIP code?
As part of your personal authentication information, you will have to enter the postal code or ZIP code of your current mailing address. If you live outside Canada and the United States, the postal code or ZIP code is not required. When entering the postal code or ZIP code, do not use spaces or hyphens.
3. How do I get a CRA security code?
Once you have completed the registration process for My Account for Individuals or My Business Account, you should receive your CRA security code by mail within approximately five business days (15 days if you are outside Canada and the United States). It will be sent to your mailing address currently on record with the CRA. Have you moved recently?
The CRA security code has an expiry date, which is indicated in the letter. Be sure to follow the instructions in the letter before the code expires; otherwise you will have to re-register and obtain a new CRA security code.
4. I am visually impaired. Can I receive my CRA security code in an alternate format?
The CRA offers forms, publications and correspondence in multiple formats for persons with a visual impairment. These formats include Braille, e-text (CD or 3 1/2 diskette), MP3, or large print. If you would prefer to receive the CRA security code letter and other personal correspondence from the CRA in an alternate format, call 1 800-959-8281 for more information.
5. I have forgotten or misplaced my password and/or my user ID. Is there any way that I can recover them?
User ID
No, you cannot recover your user ID if you have forgotten or misplaced it. To use the CRA login services, you will need to re-register for a CRA user ID.
To re-register for a CRA user ID, go to the CRA login services page, select the service you want to register for, and follow the instructions.
Password
If you have forgotten or misplaced your password, you can create a new password, provided you respond correctly to the security questions you selected and answered when you registered.
To create a new password, go to the CRA login services page, select the service you want to login to, select login. On the CRA login page, select Forgot your password? and follow the instructions.
6. How do I revoke or change my CRA user ID or password or manage my security questions?
To manage your security options such as revoke or change your CRA user ID and/or password or manage your questions and answers, you must first login to a service. Once you have logged in, you can access "Manage my security options" either on the "Last CRA login" page or on the main menu page of the service you have selected.
