Guide to CRA My Business Account

If you're a newcomer to Canada who has started a business, one of the most important online tools you'll use is CRA My Business Account. This secure portal from the Canada Revenue Agency allows you to manage virtually all of your business tax obligations online — from viewing your GST/HST account to filing returns, making payments, and communicating with the CRA.

This guide walks you through setting up your account, navigating its features, and using it effectively to stay on top of your business taxes.

What Is CRA My Business Account?

My Business Account (MyBA) is the CRA's online portal for business owners, directors, and authorized representatives. It provides access to your business's tax information and allows you to perform many tasks that would otherwise require phone calls, paper forms, or visits to a CRA office.

My Business Account is separate from My Account (for individuals). Even if you already have a CRA My Account for your personal taxes, you'll need to register separately for My Business Account to manage your business obligations.

See also: CRA My Account Setup Guide

Access it at canada.ca/my-business-account.

Who Should Register?

You should register for My Business Account if you:

• Own a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation in Canada
• Have a GST/HST account
• Have a payroll account (you have employees)
• Have a corporate income tax account
• Import or export goods (customs account)
• Are a director or authorized representative of a business

Prerequisites: Getting a Business Number

Before you can register for My Business Account, you need a Business Number (BN) from the CRA. Your BN is a 9-digit number that uniquely identifies your business to the federal government. Each tax account (GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax, etc.) is identified by your BN followed by a 2-letter program identifier and a 4-digit reference number.

See also: First-Year Tax Filing Guide

For example: 123456789 RT 0001 would be your GST/HST account. To register for a Business Number, visit canada.ca/business-registration.

How to Register for My Business Account

Option 1: Using Your CRA Security Code

1. Visit the My Business Account registration page.
2. Click "Register" and select "CRA register."
3. Enter your Business Number and other identifying information.
4. The CRA will mail a security code to your business address on file. This typically takes 5-10 business days.
5. Once you receive the code, return to the registration page and enter it to complete your registration.

Option 2: Using a Sign-In Partner

You can also register using your online banking credentials through a Sign-In Partner. This is faster because it verifies your identity through your bank, eliminating the need for a mailed security code. Most major Canadian banks participate in this program, including TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and others.

See also: Banking in Canada for Newcomers

Option 3: Using a Provincial Digital ID

Some provinces offer digital IDs that can be used to access CRA services. For example, British Columbia's BC Services Card app can be used as a sign-in method.

Key Features of My Business Account

1. View Account Balances and Statements

See the current balance for each of your tax accounts (GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax). View detailed transaction history, including payments received, assessments, interest charges, and penalties. This is your real-time view of what you owe or are owed by the CRA.

2. File Returns Online

You can file certain returns directly through My Business Account:

• GST/HST returns: File your GST34 return online. This is often faster than using paper or third-party filing software.
• Payroll information returns: Submit T4, T4A, and other information returns electronically.
• Corporate income tax: While most corporations file T2 returns using certified software, you can view your filing status and notices of assessment through MyBA.

3. Make Payments

Set up pre-authorized debit payments to automatically pay your tax obligations. You can also make one-time payments through online banking or by setting up a payment through the CRA's payment portal at canada.ca/payments.

4. Manage Your Business Information

• Update your business address, phone number, and banking information
• Register for additional program accounts (e.g., add a payroll account to your existing BN)
• Change your fiscal year-end
• Close accounts you no longer need

5. Authorize Representatives

You can authorize your accountant, bookkeeper, or other representative to access your business tax information and act on your behalf. This is done through the "Authorize a representative" feature. Your representative will then see your business accounts in their Represent a Client portal.

6. View and Respond to CRA Mail

My Business Account includes a secure mail feature where the CRA sends notices, assessments, and other correspondence. You can view these online instead of waiting for paper mail. You can also send secure messages to the CRA with questions about your account.

7. Request Relief from Penalties and Interest

If you've been assessed penalties or interest and believe there are extenuating circumstances, you can submit a taxpayer relief request through My Business Account.

GST/HST Management

For many small business owners, the most frequently used feature of My Business Account is GST/HST management. Through the portal, you can:

• File your GST/HST returns (quarterly or annually)
• View your filing history and past returns
• Check your GST/HST refund status
• Adjust a previously filed return
• Set up instalment payments
• View your input tax credit (ITC) claims

If your business earns more than $30,000 in revenue over any four consecutive calendar quarters, you must register for GST/HST. You can register through My Business Account or when applying for your Business Number.

See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada

Payroll Account Management

If you have employees, your payroll account is managed through My Business Account. You can:

• View your payroll account balance (amounts due for CPP, EI, and income tax deductions)
• Confirm your remittance due dates and frequency
• File your annual T4 and T4A information returns
• Calculate payroll deductions using the CRA's online calculator
• Update your payroll account information

Tips for Newcomer Business Owners

1. Register early: Don't wait until tax filing time to register for My Business Account. Register as soon as you get your Business Number so you can start managing your obligations right away.
2. Check your account regularly: Log in at least monthly to check balances, view any new CRA correspondence, and ensure everything is in order.
3. Set up email notifications: My Business Account can send you email notifications when new mail arrives in your account or when important deadlines are approaching.
4. Keep your information current: Update your address and banking information promptly when they change. Incorrect information can lead to missed correspondence and failed payments.
5. Use the mobile app: The CRA's MyCRA mobile app provides access to some My Business Account features on your phone.
6. Authorize your accountant: If you work with a tax professional, authorize them through My Business Account so they can file returns and manage your accounts on your behalf.

Security Tips

• Use a strong, unique password for your CRA account
• Enable multi-factor authentication if available
• Never share your login credentials with anyone — use the "Authorize a representative" feature instead
• Be wary of phishing emails claiming to be from the CRA. The CRA will never send you an email with a link asking you to log in.
• Always access My Business Account by typing the URL directly into your browser or through the official canada.ca website

Getting Help

If you encounter issues with My Business Account:

• CRA Business Inquiries: Call 1-800-959-5525 (Monday to Friday)
• Online help: The CRA website has detailed guides for each feature
• In person: Visit a CRA Tax Services Office (find locations at canada.ca)
• Small Business BC: Offers free advisory services at smallbusinessbc.ca

CRA My Business Account is a powerful tool that simplifies business tax management in Canada. By taking the time to register and learn its features, you'll save time, avoid missed deadlines, and have better visibility into your business's tax obligations throughout the year.