Do you have access to your Canada Revenue Agency personal online account? If not, make access a priority now!
Why Should I Register? What’s the Hurry?
Changes at the CRA now require that individuals have access to their online account in order to access certain services, a related business account (if you are a business owner), or a non -profit society or charity account (if you are a director or signing authority).
Additionally, if a loved one dies and you are named the executor or administrator of the Estate, you will need a CRA online account in order to access their account as a legal representative.
Named “My Account”, your personal online account is a secure portal that lets you view your personal income tax and benefit information and manage your tax affairs online.
Registration is a multi-step process that includes the CRA mailing an individual a security code through Canada Post. This can take up to a month and can make your financial activities very inconvenient if you are in a hurry to access documentation. This means you should register before for the account before you need to access it.
Can my accountant set up my account for me?
Only the account holder can set up their online account. If you have a family member that requires assistance with this process, be advised that the CRA phone line wait times can be up to 2 hours and sufficient time should be set aside in the day to assist them with the account set up.
What’s Required for Registration?
Before you can register, you must have filed your income tax and benefit return for the current tax year or the previous one.
To get access, you will need:
- your social insurance number;
- your date of birth;
- your current postal code or ZIP code and;
- an amount you entered on your income tax and benefit return, so have your return on hand (the line requested will vary and it could be from the current tax year or the previous one).
For step-by-step instructions on setting up your CRA user ID and password, go to Registration process to access the CRA login services (link below)
Cedar Creek CPA 