If you are a Canadian taxpayer, having access to your CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) My Account is almost essential. Whether you’re checking your RRSP deduction limit, tracking your tax return status, managing benefit payments like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), or accessing your T4 slips online — the CRA account makes all of it possible in one place.

Despite its usefulness, many Canadians still don’t have their CRA account set up. If you’re wondering how to make a CRA account, you’re not alone. The process can seem confusing at first, but we’ll break it down step by step in this guide.

What Is CRA My Account?

CRA My Account is a secure online portal offered by the Canada Revenue Agency. It allows individuals to access their personal income tax and benefit information and manage their tax affairs online.

Through CRA My Account, you can:

• View your Notice of Assessment (NOA)
• Check RRSP and TFSA contribution limits
• Track your refund status
• Make a payment to the CRA
• Apply for benefits (GST/HST credit, CCB, etc.)
• View your mail from CRA
• Update your address and direct deposit info

Step-by-Step: How to Make a CRA Account

There are two main ways to register:

Option 1: Sign-In Partner (Easy Method)

If you do online banking with a major Canadian bank, you can register quickly using your bank login details.

Steps:

1. Go to the CRA My Account page: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals.html
2. Click on “Sign-In Partner”.
3. Choose your bank from the list.
4. Log in using your online banking credentials.
5. Provide personal information such as:
   • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
   • Date of birth
   • Postal code
   • Your tax return information from a previous year (Line 15000)
6. Once verified, you’ll be logged in with limited access.
7. CRA will mail you a security code within 5–10 business days.
8. Once you receive it, log in again and enter the code to get full access.

Option 2: CRA User ID and Password

If you prefer not to use your bank login:

Steps:

1. Go to the same CRA My Account link above.
2. Click “CRA Register”.
3. Enter your personal details:
   • SIN
   • Date of birth
   • Postal code
   • Line 15000 from your last tax return
4. Create a CRA User ID and Password.
5. Set up security questions and answers.
6. You’ll get limited access immediately.
7. CRA will mail your security code to the address they have on file.
8. Enter that code when it arrives to gain full access.

What You Need to Register

To make the process smooth, make sure you have the following on hand:

• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Your postal code
• Your date of birth
• A copy of your most recent tax return (you’ll need Line 15000 — your total income)

CRA My Account vs CRA Business Account

If you’re self-employed or own a business, don’t confuse the CRA My Account (personal) with the CRA My Business Account. The process is different, and you’ll need your Business Number (BN) to register for the business version.

Security Tip

Always log out of your CRA account after each session and avoid accessing it on public computers or networks. Enable email notifications so CRA alerts you if any personal info changes.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a CRA My Account might take a few extra minutes, especially if you’re waiting for the mailed security code, but it’s 100% worth it. Once registered, you’ll have access to your entire tax profile — including RRSP contribution room, TFSA limits, benefit payments, and more — right at your fingertips.

So don’t wait until tax season stress kicks in. Set up your CRA My Account today and stay ahead of your finances!