CRA’s My Account update for Individuals and Businesses
The CRA recently announced changes to the “Representative service” functionality whereby taxpayers will receive email notification that they need to log into “My Account” to confirm either their newly authorized representative or changes made to their previously authorized representative via “My Account”.
We believe this change firmly illustrates the CRA’s desire to ultimately concentrate all communication between taxpayers, taxpayer’s accountants, and the CRA through “My Account”. Accordingly, we feel it is important that all taxpayers ensure they are registered for “My Account” as soon as possible to avoid potential further issues and delays.
We have updated our information to include revised instructions as well as a link to the instructional videos prepared by the CRA to assist taxpayers with registration.
The following are instructions and links with respect to the registration process for individuals and businesses:
Individuals:
Individuals interested in registering for “My Account” should have their SIN number, date of birth, address, and a copy of their most recently filed personal tax return readily available. Once entered, individuals will receive a CRA user ID and password that will initially enable them to access “My Account”.
CRA will mail a CRA security code to individuals via email or mail, once the security code is received and entered, individuals will have full access to “My Account”. Please note that the security code is time sensitive, as such, it should be entered immediately upon receipt. To receive full access to “My Account”, please go to “My Account for Individuals”, select “CRA Login” and enter your CRA user ID and password. When prompted, enter the CRA security code.
Individual’s interested in registration should begin the process by selecting “CRA Register” in Option 2 via the following link:
Individuals should access “My Account” by selecting “CRA login” in Option 2 via the following link:
Please note, CRA has provided additional information in the following link:
Instructional video: CRA has prepared an instructional video with respect to registration for individuals which can be viewed via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW_1xRux6bw
Businesses:
Individuals interested in registering for “My Business Account” should have their SIN number, date of birth, address, a copy of their most recently filed personal tax return readily available and the business number they are registering for. CRA will email or mail a CRA security code to individuals, once the security code is received and entered, full access to “My Business Account” will be granted.
Individual’s interested in business registration should begin the process by selecting “CRA Register” in Option 2 via the following link:
Individuals should access “My Business Account” by selecting “CRA login” in Option 2 via the following link:
Please note, CRA has provided additional information in the following link:
Instructional video: CRA has prepared an instructional video with respect to registration for businesses which can be viewed via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o6w4yUZnNs
Authorizing representatives:
Following registration, a business may add certain trusted individuals to represent the company (for example, internal and external accountants and lawyers). Numerous individuals may be added, and different levels of access and abilities may be granted to match the respective responsibilities of differing individuals (e.g. obtain information only, obtain and update information, obtain and update information and delegate authority).
The fastest method of granting access to appropriate individuals is via My Business Account. Authorized individuals would then access business information via “Represent a Client”.
More information with respect to authorizing a representative is available using the following link:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/representative-authorization/overview.html