Understanding CRA MyAccount: What You Can Do Online

If you file taxes in Canada, you need to know about CRA MyAccount. It’s your online portal to the Canada Revenue Agency—like online banking, but for your taxes and benefits. Once you're set up, you can skip the phone lines and access most government tax services in just a few clicks.

What Is CRA MyAccount?

CRA MyAccount is a secure, online platform where you can:

• Check your tax information

• Apply for benefits

• View contribution limits

• Upload documents

• Track payments or refunds

It's free, always available, and beats waiting on hold for hours.

What Can You Do with CRA MyAccount?

Here’s what’s actually useful once you're in:

✅ 1. Check Your Refund Status

Wondering when your refund will land in your bank account? CRA MyAccount shows:

• If your return was received

• If your refund is approved or issued

• The amount and expected date (if using direct deposit)

✅ 2. View RRSP and TFSA Contribution Limits

No more guessing. You can:

• See your exact RRSP deduction limit for the year

• Check your TFSA contribution room

• Avoid over-contributing and getting hit with penalties

✅ 3. See Your Notice of Assessment (NOA)

Your NOA is the official summary of your return. With MyAccount, you can:

• Download or view your NOAs from past years

• Use them as proof of income (for loans, rentals, etc.)

• Quickly correct errors with a T1 Adjustment

✅ 4. Apply for and Track Benefits

You can apply for or manage:

• GST/HST credits

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

• Ontario and provincial credits

You’ll also see past and future payment dates.

✅ 5. Make Payments or Set Up a Payment Plan

You can:

• Make one-time payments to the CRA

• Set up pre-authorized debit plans

• View account balances and any amount owing

No more mailing cheques or waiting for mailed statements.

✅ 6. Upload Documents Directly to the CRA

If the CRA asks for receipts, proof of income, or other documents, skip the mail. Just:

• Log in

• Upload the file to your account

• Track the status online

✅ 7. Change Your Address or Banking Info

Moved? Switched banks? You can update:

• Your mailing address

• Your direct deposit details

• Your marital status or name (in some cases)

Keeping this info up to date helps avoid missed payments or CRA mail getting sent to the wrong place.

✅ 8. Authorize or Remove a Representative

If you want an accountant, tax preparer, or even a family member to deal with the CRA for you, you can:

• Grant them access to your file

• Set limits (view only or full access)

• Remove access at any time

How to Register for CRA MyAccount

There are two ways to sign in:

1. Sign-In Partner (Bank Login): Use your online banking credentials.

2. CRA Login: Create a CRA username and password directly.

If signing up with a mobile device, you can use Interac Document Verification Service to verify your identity and grant you immediate access. Otherwise, after signing up, you’ll receive a security code by mail to complete your registration. Once verified, you’re in.

Pro Tip: Enable email notifications so you're alerted when the CRA sends messages or updates your file.

✅ Bonus: Switch Between Personal and Business Accounts

If you have both a CRA MyAccount (personal) and a CRA My Business Account, you can easily switch between them without logging out.

After logging into either account:

• Look for the “Accounts” or “Switch Accounts” button (usually in the top-right menu)

• Select the account type you want to view

This is especially useful if:

• You’re self-employed or freelance

• You collect GST/HST

• You have a corporation or registered business

It keeps your personal taxes and business filings in one place—just under separate dashboards.

Bottom Line

If you deal with taxes or government benefits in Canada—and everyone does—CRA MyAccount saves you time, keeps your info organized, and gives you control. Set it up once, and it’ll make every tax season easier going forward.