CRA My Account for Newcomers: Secure Setup Checklist and

What Is CRA My Account?

CRA My Account is the Canada Revenue Agency's online portal that gives you secure access to your personal tax and benefit information. For newcomers to Canada, setting up CRA My Account should be a priority — it allows you to view your tax returns, check benefit payments (like the GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit), update your personal information, set up direct deposit, and much more.

Think of CRA My Account as your personal tax dashboard. Instead of calling the CRA and waiting on hold (which can take hours), you can manage most of your tax affairs online, 24/7.

Official portal: CRA My Account.

Why You Need CRA My Account

Here is what you can do through the portal:

• View tax returns and notices of assessment: See the status of filed returns and any amounts owed or refunded
• Track benefit payments: Check GST/HST credit, CCB, and provincial benefit payment dates and amounts
• Set up or change direct deposit: Ensure benefits and refunds go directly to your bank account
• Update personal information: Address changes, marital status updates, phone number
• View RRSP and TFSA contribution room: Know how much you can contribute to registered accounts
• Submit documents: Upload requested documents for audits, reviews, or benefit applications
• Authorize a representative: Allow an accountant or family member to manage your tax affairs
• Apply for benefits: Apply for the Canada Child Benefit and other programs online

How to Register — Step by Step

There are several ways to access CRA My Account. The process for newcomers depends on whether you have filed a Canadian tax return yet.

Option 1: Sign In with a Sign-In Partner (Fastest for Most Newcomers)

The easiest way to access CRA My Account is through a sign-in partner — your Canadian bank's online banking credentials. If you have online banking with any of these institutions, you can use it to sign into the CRA:

• TD Canada Trust
• RBC Royal Bank
• Scotiabank
• BMO Bank of Montreal
• CIBC
• National Bank of Canada
• Desjardins
• ATB Financial
• Tangerine
• And several others

How it works:

1. Go to the CRA My Account sign-in page
2. Select "Sign in with a Sign-In Partner"
3. Choose your bank
4. Log in with your regular online banking credentials
5. Your bank verifies your identity and redirects you to the CRA
6. Complete the registration by providing your SIN and personal information

Option 2: CRA User ID and Password

You can create a CRA-specific account:

1. Go to the CRA My Account page and select "CRA register"
2. Create a CRA user ID and password
3. Set up security questions
4. Enter your SIN, date of birth, and other personal information
5. The CRA will send a security code by mail to your address on file — this takes 5-10 business days
6. Once you receive the code, log in and enter it to complete registration

Option 3: BC Services Card App (BC Residents)

If you live in BC and have a BC Services Card, you can use the BC Services Card mobile app to sign in. See our BC Services Card guide.

Option 4: Alberta.ca Account (Alberta Residents)

Alberta residents can use their Alberta.ca digital ID to access CRA My Account.

First-Time Setup Checklist

Once you have access to CRA My Account, complete these steps immediately:

1. Verify Your Personal Information

Check that your name, address, date of birth, and marital status are correct. Any errors can cause issues with benefit calculations and tax processing.

2. Set Up Direct Deposit

Navigate to "Direct deposit" and enter your Canadian bank account information (institution number, transit number, and account number — found on a void cheque or through your online banking). This ensures all CRA payments (tax refunds, GST/HST credit, CCB) are deposited directly to your account instead of mailed as cheques.

3. Register for Email Notifications

Under "Manage email notifications," opt in to receive email alerts when the CRA sends you mail or posts new documents to your account. This way you will not miss important notices.

4. Check Your Benefit Status

View your benefit payment schedule under "Benefits and credits." Confirm that you are registered for the GST/HST credit and, if applicable, the Canada Child Benefit.

5. Review RRSP and TFSA Room

Check your contribution room for registered accounts. As a newcomer, your TFSA room starts accumulating from the year you become a Canadian tax resident (you get the full year's amount). RRSP room is based on earned income from the previous year.

Security Best Practices

Your CRA My Account contains extremely sensitive information. Protect it:

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The CRA now supports multi-factor authentication. Enable it in your security settings. You will need to enter a code from your phone or email in addition to your password when logging in.

Use a Strong, Unique Password

If using a CRA user ID (not a sign-in partner), create a strong password that you do not use for any other account. Use at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Beware of CRA Scams

Scammers frequently impersonate the CRA through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Know this: the CRA will never:

• Ask for payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
• Threaten you with immediate arrest
• Ask for your full SIN, credit card number, or banking information by email or text
• Send you a link by email to fill out a form to get a refund

If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up and contact the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281.

Monitor Your Account Regularly

Log in periodically to check for any unauthorized changes. The CRA will send you email notifications if changes are made to your account.

Common Tasks You Will Use CRA My Account For

Filing Season (February-April)

• View tax slips (T4, T5, T2202, etc.) — employers and institutions upload these to your account
• View your Notice of Assessment after filing
• Track your refund status

Throughout the Year

• Update your address if you move
• Report marital status changes
• Add a newborn child to receive CCB
• View upcoming benefit payment dates
• Submit documents if the CRA requests them

Tax Payment

If you owe taxes, CRA My Account shows you the balance owing and payment options. You can pay through online banking, the CRA's "My Payment" service (credit/debit card), or at your financial institution.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Locked Out of Your Account

If you enter the wrong password too many times, your account will be locked. You can unlock it by calling the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 or waiting 24 hours and trying again.

Security Code Never Arrived

If you chose the CRA user ID option and the security code did not arrive within 10 business days, call the CRA to request a new one. Ensure your mailing address is correct.

Cannot Verify Identity

New newcomers who have never filed a Canadian tax return may have difficulty verifying their identity online. In this case, file your first tax return, wait for your Notice of Assessment, and then try registering again — the filing creates the records needed for identity verification.

Key Takeaways

• CRA My Account is your portal for managing taxes, benefits, and personal info with the CRA
• The fastest registration method is through your Canadian bank's online banking (sign-in partner)
• Set up direct deposit immediately for faster benefit payments and tax refunds
• Enable multi-factor authentication for security
• The CRA will NEVER ask for payment via gift cards or threaten arrest — those are scams
• File your first tax return to establish records needed for account verification
• Check your account periodically for updates, benefit payments, and notices

Maximizing Your CRA My Account: Key Features for Newcomers

Congratulations on setting up your CRA My Account! This crucial step opens the door to managing your tax and benefit affairs efficiently in Canada. But don't just stop at setup – actively using your My Account can save you time and help you stay on top of your financial responsibilities. Here are some key features newcomers should explore:

Check Your Benefit Payments and Eligibility

One of the most important functions of My Account for newcomers is tracking government benefits. You can view the...

Related Resources

WelcomeAide Tools

• WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
• Tax Guide — understand taxes, filing deadlines, and common credits
• Banking Guide — compare newcomer banking options and account types
• Cost Calculator — estimate monthly living costs in Canada
• Benefits Guide — find federal and provincial financial supports

Related Guides

• Employment Insurance (EI) for Newcomers: Application
• Understanding Canadian Banking Fees — Newcomer Guide to
• Build Your First Canadian Credit Score in 90 Days —

Official Government Sources

• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Government of Canada Taxes
• File an Income Tax Return
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
• Government of Canada Finance Services
• GST/HST for Businesses