CRA Account Registration: Register for a CRA Account
Need to create a CRA account? Learn what you need, how to register, and what to do if you don’t have Line 15000.
A CRA account allows eligible individuals to access their personal tax information, benefit details, notices, and other online services. Before starting, prepare the required information and choose the registration method that works for you.
What Is a CRA Account?
A CRA account, also known as My Account when referring to personal tax services, is an online portal provided by the Canada Revenue Agency. It allows individuals to view and manage their personal income tax and benefit information without visiting a CRA office.
After registering, you may be able to view tax returns, notices of assessment, tax slips, registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) and tax-free savings account (TFSA) information, and benefit payments, depending on your eligibility.
After registering, you may be able to view:
- Tax returns
- Notices of assessment
- Tax slips
- RRSP and TFSA information
- Benefit payments
Availability depends on your eligibility.
What You Need Before CRA Account Registration
Preparing the required details before starting can make the registration process easier. The exact requirements depend on your selected registration method.
Information to Prepare
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): Usually required for personal account registration.
- Date of birth: Used to verify your identity.
- Tax return information: You may need amounts from a recently assessed tax return.
- Online banking credentials: Required if you choose an eligible Sign-In Partner.
- Provincial digital credentials: An Alberta.ca Account or BC Services Card, if using the provincial-partner option.
- Mobile device and accepted photo ID: May be needed for immediate identity verification.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Prepare to set up the available verification options.
What Is Line 15000, and Where Can You Find It?
Line 15000 shows your total income on your Canadian income tax and benefit return. The CRA may request this amount when you register using a CRA user ID and password or a Sign-In Partner.
You can find Line 15000 on a copy of your filed tax return or your tax information in CRA documents. Use the amount originally reported on the applicable assessed return, even if the CRA later reassessed it.
If you cannot find the amount, check your tax return records before beginning registration. The CRA’s requirements depend on your filing history and registration method.
Line
15000
Your total income on your Canadian income tax and benefit return.
3 Ways to Register for a CRA Account
The CRA provides three registration options. Your choice determines how you establish your credentials and subsequently access your account.
Register Using Online Banking (Sign-In Partner)
A Sign-In Partner allows you to use the online banking credentials you already have with a participating financial institution. You do not need to create a separate CRA user ID and password when using this method.
You must have an eligible online banking account and meet the CRA’s registration requirements. You will also need to provide the requested personal information to link your identity to your CRA account.
Register With a CRA User ID and Password
This option lets you create a separate user ID and password for CRA services. During registration, you will provide the requested personal details, answer security questions, and set up the required authentication options.
This method is suitable for people who prefer dedicated CRA credentials rather than using their online banking sign-in information.
Register Through a Provincial Partner
The provincial-partner option is available to eligible residents of Alberta and British Columbia who have the appropriate provincial digital credentials.
You can use an Alberta.ca Account or BC Services Card, as applicable, to access CRA services. You will need to provide your SIN or another accepted tax identification number where applicable.
This option can also be available to eligible people who have not filed a tax return in the last two years, subject to the CRA’s requirements.
How to Register for a CRA Account: Step by Step
Follow these steps to register your account through the official CRA website.
Open the Official Registration Page
Visit the CRA account registration website. Scroll down, click the “Register Now” button, and review the information required before proceeding.
Choose Your Registration Method
Select the method you want to use:
- CRA user ID and password
- Sign-In Partner
- Provincial partner, if eligible
Follow the instructions displayed for your selected method.
Enter Your Personal Information
Provide the requested details, such as your SIN and date of birth. Depending on the method and your circumstances, you may also need to enter information from your most recent assessed tax return.
If you choose a CRA user ID and password, create your credentials and answer the required security questions.
Verify Your Identity
The CRA offers different identity-verification methods.
- Document verification service: Use a mobile device and an accepted government-issued photo ID to complete the online process, if eligible.
- CRA security code: Request a code by mail to the address on file. The CRA states that it generally mails the code within 10 business days.
If you choose the mailed code, follow the instructions to enter it into your account before it expires. Your level of access may remain limited until identity verification is completed.
Create Your User ID and Password
Add your CRA user ID and password to create your ID.
Create Security Questions and Answers
Add your security question answers. If you forget your ID or password, you can retrieve it through your security questions and answers.
Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication
Follow the CRA’s instructions to configure multi-factor authentication (MFA). Available options include a third-party authentication app, a passcode grid, or phone verification, depending on the options offered to you.
The CRA may prompt first-time registrants to enroll in two MFA options. Follow the instructions shown during registration and keep your verification methods accessible.
Complete Identity Verification
Use your passport, driver’s licence, or provincial photo ID card.
If you need help accessing your account after registration, see our separate guide to CRA login.
How to Register for a CRA Account Without Line 15000
If you do not know your Line 15000 amount, your available options depend on your tax filing history and the registration method you choose.
Consider the Provincial-Partner Option
Eligible residents of Alberta and British Columbia may register through an Alberta.ca Account or BC Services Card, even if they have not filed a tax return in the last two years.
Check the CRA’s official registration requirements to confirm your eligibility before choosing this method.
If none of the available options applies to you, review the CRA’s guidance on filing a tax return and account registration.
Common CRA Registration Problems and Solutions
I Cannot Complete Registration Without Tax Return Information
The CRA may require information from a recently filed and assessed return when you register with a CRA user ID and password or a Sign-In Partner. Check your tax documents for the requested amount.
If you have not filed within the required period, review the eligibility rules or check whether the provincial-partner option is available to you.
I Have Not Received My CRA Security Code
The CRA generally mails a security code within 10 business days. Check that your mailing address is up to date and allow time for delivery.
If the code does not arrive after 10 business days, the CRA advises that you can use the document verification service, if eligible, or contact the CRA to request another code.
My Identity Verification Failed
Check that the identification document you submitted is accepted, valid, and entered correctly. Make sure the images meet the document verification service requirements.
If online document verification does not work, check whether you can verify your identity using a CRA security code by mail.
My Registration Session Expired
The CRA registration session expires after 18 minutes of inactivity, and your progress is not saved. Prepare the required information before starting and complete each step without unnecessary delays.
If your session expires, return to the official registration page and follow the instructions to start again.
Other CRA Online Accounts You May Need
Your CRA registration credentials can also provide access to other CRA services, depending on your eligibility and the accounts associated with you.
Represent a Client
Represent a Client is for authorized representatives, including accountants and tax professionals, who need to access tax information on behalf of individuals or businesses. The appropriate authorization is required.
Online Services for Charities
Eligible charities can use the CRA’s online services to manage their charity-related information and obligations.
Some services require additional steps to add an account or authorize a representative after you have registered.
Conclusion
CRA account registration gives eligible individuals online access to their personal tax and benefit information. To get started, prepare your personal details, choose a registration method, complete the required authentication steps, and verify your identity.
If you do not have your Line 15000 amount, check your tax filing history and whether the provincial-partner option is available to you. Always use the official CRA website to complete registration and confirm the requirements that apply to your circumstances.
CRA Account Registration FAQs
How to Create a CRA Login Account?
To create a CRA login account, visit the official CRA registration page and choose a registration method. You can create a CRA user ID and password, use a participating Sign-In Partner, or use an eligible provincial partner. Provide the requested information, configure authentication, and complete identity verification as required.
How to Create CRA Login?
You can create your CRA sign-in credentials during the account registration process. If you select the CRA user ID and password option, follow the instructions to create your credentials and security questions. Alternatively, you can register using eligible online banking credentials or a provincial partner. The requirements depend on your selected method and eligibility.
Can I Register for a CRA Account Without Line 15000?
Your options depend on your tax filing history. CRA user ID/password and Sign-In Partner registration generally require a recently filed and assessed tax return. Eligible residents of Alberta and British Columbia may use a provincial partner even if they have not filed a tax return in the last two years.
What If I Am a Newcomer to Canada?
Newcomers should first determine whether they have the required identification and meet the CRA’s registration criteria. A SIN is generally required for personal registration, although the CRA accepts certain other identification numbers for specific circumstances. If you have not filed a Canadian tax return, check the official eligibility rules before choosing a registration method.
Register for your CRA account
Prepare your personal details, choose a registration method, and verify your identity. It only takes a few steps.
This guide is independent and is not affiliated with the Canada Revenue Agency. Always register at canada.ca. Already registered? See our CRA login guide.