CREATE or LOGIN TO A CRA ACCOUNT
Please ensure that you can log in or access your online information. CRA is attempting
to make things digital and it is easier for Bookkeepers and Accountants if all clients
have their access. If you are filing your taxes with me this year I will be ensuring that
you are registered and set up accurately. If you wish to make sure it is done ahead of
time, the information is below.
Here is the information you will need to create your account or to log in:
INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT DETAILS
You will need:
your social insurance
your date of birth
postal code
a line from last two year's filed taxes (they may ask for more details afterwards)
BUSINESS ACCOUNT DETAILS
Login using your personal login (Owner's or shareholders)
You will need:
your business number(Ontario registration) and contact information.
If the account is automatically linked it will open it up automatically.
CRA Individual Enquiries number is 1 (800) 959-8281
CRA Business Enquiries number is 1(800) 959-5525
ADD A REPRESENTATIVE
1. Login to your CRA Business Account.
2. Click the Profile button on the top right.
3. Scroll down on the right hand side there is a section to add a representative.
4. Click add or manage representative.
5. Put in your accountant's representative number.
6. Click level 2 for access
7. Click all business accounts so I can review HST, payroll and Corps taxes if it is a
corporation. If you have another business, you will see a drop down menu where your
business number is to change businesses.
You will need to complete this step for each business.
NEW- PLEASE READ
REGISTERING FOR MY ACCOUNT – DOCUMENTATION VERIFICATION SERVICE
On April 11, 2024, CRA issued a News Release (The CRA is making it easier to access its digital services) that announced a new alternative for registering for My Account rather than obtaining a security code by mail. The new Interact documentation verification service allows individuals aged 16 or over to submit a picture of one of the following pieces of government-issued identification:
• a Canadian passport;
• a Canadian driver’s license; or
• a provincial or territorial ID card.
The registration process still requires information from the individual’s 2022 or 2023 income tax return, and starts on CRA’s validate your identity webpage, accessed from the CRA register link on the My Account for Individuals webpage.
MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION – AUTHENTICATOR APP
CRA’s multi-factor authentication options have historically been limited to voice or text
message, or to a paper passcode grid. With the February 2024 update to their online portals, CRA has added the option to use a third-party authenticator application (app). CRA has not provided a list of acceptable apps, and the desired app must be downloaded separately by the user. The app is then set up for CRA portal use by scanning a QR code on the My Account portal or by entering a setup code provided by CRA. CRA discussed this new option on their multi-factor authentication webpage.
CRA does not describe the process to enable an authenticator app. It appears that this option can be selected when initially obtaining My Account access. It can also be added later using the following steps:
a. log on to My Account;
b. select profile on the upper left side of the overview page (the first page after CRA’s
login system);
c. scroll down to multi-factor authentication settings at the bottom right of the profile
page and click continue;
d. select the authenticator app option at the end of the manage multi-factor authentication - passcode options page;
e. scan the QR code generated by CRA using the desired authenticator app, or enter the
setup code; and
f. enter the six-digit code provided by the authenticator app to activate this sign-in
option.
CRA recommends having multiple options for authentication. Use of the authenticator app does not remove the voice or text messaging options. On future logins, CRA’s login process allows the choice of multi-factor authentication tools set up through the profile. Only one app can be in use; however, it is possible to remove the app and add a new one if desired.
This option will appear after following step (d) above if an authenticator app has already been set up.
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