Registration process to access the CRA sign-in services

1. How do I register for a CRA user ID and password?
   • My Account for Individuals
   • My Business Account
   • Represent a Client
   • Represent a Client — Non-resident representative
   • Candidate profile
2. I have a Temporary Tax Number (TTN) or an Individual Tax Number (ITN). Can I still register?
3. What do you mean by current postal code or ZIP code?
4. How do I get a CRA security code?
5. Where do I enter my CRA security code?
6. How can I verify my identity without a CRA security code?
7. How do I get a non-resident representative number?
8. Can I use the same CRA user ID and password to access all the CRA sign-in services?
9. I am visually impaired. Can I receive my CRA security code in an alternate format?
10. How do I create my CRA user ID and password?
11. I have forgotten or misplaced my CRA user ID and/or password. Can I recover them?
12. How do I manage my CRA security options, such as Revoke my CRA user ID, Change my password, and Change my security questions and answers?

1. How do I register for a CRA user ID and password?

My Account for Individuals

You will have to complete two steps.

Step 1 – Provide personal information

• Enter your social insurance number.
• Enter your date of birth.
• Enter the amount of line 15000 that you calculated and reported on the most recent tax return you filed (from either the current or previous tax year). The return you use must have been filed and assessed.
• Enter an amount you entered on one of your income tax and benefit returns. The line amount requested will vary, it could be from the current tax year or the previous one.
• Create a CRA user ID and password.
• Create your security questions and answers. You can also decide if you want a persistent cookie added to your computer, so you can access CRA sign-in services using that same computer later without being asked for more identification.
• Enroll in mandatory Multi-factor authentication by selecting your preferred method (telephone, passcode grid or third-party authenticator app). It is recommended that you have more than one option on file although only one option is required. For more information, see Multi-factor authentication.

Step 2 – Choose verification option to gain full access

The Interac® document verification service option provides a secure method to validate identity in real-time allowing full and immediate access to the CRA sign-in services. During the registration process, follow the online instructions to use this verification service.

Or, choose to wait for a CRA security code to be mailed, which could take up to 10 business days. Once received, return to My Account for Individuals, select "CRA sign in," and enter your CRA user ID and password. When prompted, enter your CRA security code.

You can sign in to CRA sign-in services with a Sign-In Partner. This option lets you sign in with the same sign-in information that you may already have, such as for online banking. For more information, see Sign-In Partners Help and FAQs.

You can sign in to CRA sign-in services with a provincial partner. This option lets you sign in with a provincial credential that you may already have, such as the BC Services Card or Alberta.ca Account. For more information, see BC Services Card and Alberta.ca Account.

My Business Account

You will have to complete two steps.

Step 1 – Provide personal information

• Enter your social insurance number.
• Enter your date of birth.
• Enter the amount of line 15000 that you calculated and reported on the most recent tax return you filed (from either the current or previous tax year). The return you use must have been filed and assessed.
• Enter an amount you entered on one of your income tax and benefit returns. The line amount requested will vary, it could be from the current tax year or the previous one. 
• Create a CRA user ID and password.
• Create your security questions and answers. You can also decide if you want a persistent cookie added to your computer, so that you can access CRA sign-in services using that same computer later without being asked for more identification.
• Enroll in mandatory Multi-factor authentication by selecting your preferred method (telephone, passcode grid or third-party authenticator app). It is recommended that you have more than one option on file although only one option is required. For more information, see Multi-factor authentication.
• Enter your business number.

Step 2 – Choose verification option to gain full access

The Interac document verification service option provides a secure method to validate identity in real-time allowing full and immediate access to the CRA sign-in services. During the registration process follow the online instructions to use this verification service.

Or, choose to wait for a CRA security code to be mailed, which could take up to 10 business days. Once received, return to My Business Account, select "CRA sign in," and enter your CRA user ID and password. When prompted, enter your CRA security code.

You can also sign in to CRA sign-in services with a Sign-In Partner. This option lets you sign in with the same sign-in information that you may already have, such as for online banking. For more information, see Sign-In Partners Help and FAQs.

Represent a Client

You will have to complete two steps.

Step 1 – Provide personal information

• Enter your social insurance number.
• Enter your date of birth.
• Enter the amount of line 15000 that you calculated and reported on the most recent tax return you filed (from either the current or previous tax year). The return you use must have been filed and assessed.
• Enter an amount you entered on one of your income tax and benefit returns. The line amount requested will vary, it could be from the current tax year or the previous one.
• Create a CRA user ID and password.
• Create your security questions and answers. You can also decide if you want a persistent cookie added to your computer, so that you can access CRA sign-in services using that same computer later without being asked for more identification.
• Enroll in mandatory Multi-factor authentication by selecting your preferred method (telephone, passcode grid or third-party authenticator app). It is recommended that you have more than one option on file although only one option is required. For more information, see Multi-factor authentication.

Step 2 – Choose verification option to gain full access

The Interac document verification service option provides a secure method to validate identity in real-time allowing full and immediate access to the CRA sign-in services. During the registration process follow the online instructions to use this verification service.

Or, choose to wait for a CRA security code to be mailed, which could take up to 10 business days. Once received, return to Represent a Client, select "CRA sign in," and enter your CRA user ID and password. When prompted, enter your CRA security code.

You can also sign in to CRA sign-in services with a Sign-In Partner. This option lets you sign in with the same sign-in information that you may already have, such as for online banking. For more information, see Sign-In Partners Help and FAQs.

Represent a Client—non-resident representative

If you are a non-resident representative living in the United States, you will be asked to:

• Enter your non-resident representative number and your ZIP code.
• Create a CRA user ID and password.
• Create your security questions and answers. You can also decide if you want a persistent cookie added to your computer, so that you can access Represent a Client using that same computer later without being asked for more identification.
• Enroll in mandatory Multi-factor authentication by selecting your preferred method (telephone, passcode grid or third-party authenticator app). It is recommended that you have more than one option on file although only one option is required. For more information, see Multi-factor authentication.

To access the service anytime, go to Represent a Client and sign in using your CRA user ID and password.

Candidate profile

To register for the Candidate profile service, you will be asked to:

• Complete the required fields for the candidate registration.
• Create a CRA user ID and password.
• Create your security questions and answers. You can also decide if you want a persistent cookie added to your computer, so you can access the Candidate profile service using that same computer later without being asked for more identification.

After you have completed the registration process, and your candidate profile, you will be able to apply to CRA jobs from anywhere with internet access.

You can also sign in to the Candidate profile service with a Sign-In Partner. This option lets you sign in with the same sign-in information that you may already have, such as for online banking. For more information, see Sign-In Partners Help and FAQs.

2. I have a Temporary Tax Number (TTN) or an Individual Tax Number (ITN). Can I still register?

Yes. You can register for our online services using a Temporary Tax Number (TTN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN). Enter your TTN or ITN when you are asked for a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

3. What do you mean by current postal code or ZIP code?

If you request a CRA security code by mail, 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. The postal code or ZIP code field is not case sensitive and may or may not include spaces or dashes.

4. How do I get a CRA security code?

If you have completed the registration process through My Account for Individuals, My Business Account, or Represent a Client, and have chosen to receive a CRA security code, follow the instructions before the code expires, or you will have to Contact us to have a new CRA security code issued to you.

If you choose to have the CRA security code mailed, we will mail it to the address we have on file. Have you moved recently? If you are blind or partially sighted, you can ask to receive your personal correspondence from the CRA in an alternate format.

5. Where do I enter my CRA security code?

Once you receive your new CRA security code, return to the CRA sign-in services page, and select the service you registered with. If you registered for a CRA user ID and password, select the CRA sign in option, or, if you registered using the Sign-In Partner service, select the Sign-In Partner option. Follow the online instructions, and enter your CRA security code when prompted.

6. How can I verify my identity without a CRA security code?

Interac document verification service is an alternative identity validation option to register for the CRA sign-in services. This option provides a secure method to validate your identity in real-time allowing full and immediate access to the CRA sign-in services, without needing to wait for a CRA security code to be mailed to you. The identity validation process requires a mobile device to take a picture of your government-issued photo identification and of yourself to verify your identity. 

To use this service, you must:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Have an accepted government-issued photo identification
• Have a mobile device with a working camera

Gather your identification documents

The following original government-issued identification documents are accepted:

• Canadian passport
• Canadian driver's license
• Provincial photo ID card

We do not accept:

• Provincial health cards
• Documents that have been reported as lost or stolen
• Expired or damaged identification documents
• Photocopies of identification document
• Pictures of yourself that were not taken in real-time

You must follow these requirements to prevent interruption of your CRA sign-in services access. Ensure the photos you submit to Interac are unobstructed (e.g. the ID is fully visible, there is no glare, etc.)

7. How do I get a non-resident representative number (NRRN)?

A non-resident representative number (NRRN) is a number issued to non-resident individuals living in the United States who would like to use the Represent a Client service to access information and services on behalf of individuals and businesses. To apply for an NRRN, you must submit Form RC391, Application for a Canada Revenue Agency Non-Resident Representative Number (NRRN), and provide supporting documentation to prove your identity. We will mail you a letter with your NRRN and instructions on how to use your NRRN to register for Represent a Client.

8. Can I use the same CRA user ID and password to access all the CRA sign-in services?

Yes. After you register for a CRA sign-in service, you can use the same CRA user ID and password to access all the CRA sign-in services. However, for some services, more identity information may be needed.

9. 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), 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.

10. How do I create my CRA user ID and password?

When you create your CRA user ID and password, we recommend that you:

• make them easy for you to remember and hard for others to guess;
• avoid using personal information such as your name, social insurance number, mailing address, or email address;
• always use unique passwords for your CRA and online banking accounts. Do not reuse the same password for different accounts or systems; and
• always keep this information secure and do not share it with anyone.

You will not be able to proceed with the creation of a CRA user ID and password unless you follow these rules:

CRA User ID

Your CRA user ID must contain between 8 and 16 characters with no spaces, and can contain up to seven digits. The only special characters you can use are: dot (.), dash (-), underscore (_), and apostrophe (').

Password

Your password must contain between 8 and 64 characters, one upper-case letter, one lower-case letter, one digit, no space, and no accented characters. The only special characters you can use are: dot (.), dash (-), underscore (_), and apostrophe ('). You cannot use more than 4 consecutive, identical characters. The password and the confirm password must match.

11. I have forgotten or misplaced my CRA user ID and/or password. Is there any way that I can recover them?

If you have forgotten your CRA user ID for any of the following CRA sign-in services, you can recover it.

• My Account
• My Business Account
• Represent a Client
• Change my direct deposit
• Change my address

To recover it, return to the service you want to use and select "CRA sign in". On the CRA sign in page, select "Forgot your user ID?" and follow the instructions.

If you have forgotten your CRA user ID for any of the following CRA sign-in services, you cannot recover it. You have to Contact us to register again.

• Tax information web service (includes Auto-fill my return, T2 Auto-fill, Express NOA, Account Information Retrieval Service, Canada Digital Adoption Program, and Identity validation service)

If you have forgotten your CRA user ID for the Candidate profile service, you have to complete the candidate profile recovery process to create a new CRA user ID. This will allow your new CRA user ID you register for during the recovery process, to be linked to your existing candidate profile.

Candidate profile recovery

If you are a new user, you will need to register before using the Candidate profile service.

CRA Password

If you have forgotten or misplaced your CRA 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, return to the service you want to use and select "CRA sign in". On the CRA sign in page, select "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions.

12. How do I manage my CRA security options such as, revoke my CRA user ID, change my password, change my security questions and answers, etc.?

To manage any of the following CRA security options, you must first sign in to a service. Once you have signed in, you can access these options on the "CRA sign in and security options" page.

• Change CRA user ID
• Change CRA password
• Change CRA security questions and answers
• Update additional security feature preference
• Revoke CRA user ID
• View the Terms and conditions of use
• View recent CRA sign in history