With tax season just around the corner, now’s a great time to make sure you can log in to your CRA My Account. If you’ve never used it before, don’t worry—we’ll explain what it is, why it’s important in 2025, and how to get started.

What is CRA My Account?

CRA My Account is a secure online portal from the Canada Revenue Agency that lets you manage your personal tax and benefit information anytime, anywhere. 

With CRA My Account, you can:

• Check your refund status.

• View or change your tax return.

• See your Notice of Assessment (NOA).

• Track benefit and credit payments like GST/HST and the Canada Child Benefit.

• Monitor RRSP and TFSA contribution limits.

• Set-up or change direct deposit.

• Download tax slips like T4s.

Why you need a CRA My Account.

As of July 15, 2025, The CRA introduced a major change to how tax representatives (Tax Professionals, CPAs, financial advisors, etc.) gain access to your account. 

What’s different?

In previous years, you could simply sign a form authorizing your tax preparer to act on your behalf. That process is now retired. Going forward, the only way to grant access to someone who has never filed your taxes before, is digitally through your CRA My Account.

Who does this effect?

This change applies to all Canadian tax professionals — not just H&R Block. Whether you work with an independent accountant, a local tax preparer, or a national firm, the new process is the same. No representative can access your tax information without your direct online approval.

Benefits of having a CRA My Account:

• Instant authorization: You can instantly approve a representative’s access request online—no more waiting days for processing.

• Secure identity verification: Use CRA’s document verification service to gain full access without waiting for a mailed security code.

• Audit & review readiness: If you're selected for a review, you can upload documents and respond directly through your account.

• Faster refunds: Set up direct deposit and receive your refunds quicker.

• Benefit management: Easily track payments and eligibility for credits like the Canada Child Benefit.

And if you use H&R Block’s tax software, you can take advantage of the Auto-fill My Return feature to automatically import your CRA data into your return – saving you time from having to enter all your slips manually.

Whether you're self-employed, a student, or managing family finances, CRA My Account simplifies your tax life.

How to set up your CRA My Account.

H&R Block can assist you with this if you bring in a Notice of Assessment from a previously filed tax return or you can register yourself one of the following three ways:

1. Using a Sign-In Partner (e.g., your bank).

2. Creating a CRA user ID and password.

3. Or by using a provincial partner (if you live in B.C. or Alberta).

You’ll need:

• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

• Date of birth.

• Current postal code.

• An amount from the most recent tax return assessed in the past 2 years (make sure you have this information handy when setting up your account). 

You can visit the CRA’s website here to register. After registering, you’ll receive a CRA security code by mail (unless you use document verification). Enter this code to unlock full access. 

How to sign in using a sign-in partner.

1. Go to the CRA My Account page and click Sign-In Partner.

2. Choose your financial institution.

3. Log in using your bank credentials.

4. Enter your personal details and tax info.

5. Access your account with limited features until you verify your identity.

How to sign in using a CRA user ID and password.

1. Click CRA user ID and password on the My Account page.

2. Enter your SIN and personal details.

3. Create a user ID, password, and security questions.

4. Access your account with limited features until you verify your identity.

Additional security features: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

To protect your account, CRA uses MFA. You can choose:

• Telephone passcode: A one-time code sent via SMS or voice call.

• Passcode grid: A printable grid used to verify login attempts.

To enable MFA:

• Log in and go to your Personal Profile.

• Scroll to CRA Security Options.

• Follow the prompts to activate MFA.

Can I file my taxes without a CRA My Account?

Yes, H&R Block can still file your taxes without a CRA My Account – but, having one is by far the fastest, easiest, and most efficient way to take full advantage of your tax filing experience, including benefits like an Instant Refund and secure access to your government-issued tax slips.

Without a CRA My Account, you won’t be able to authorize your Tax Expert to access your CRA data. That means we won’t be able to import key information directly from the government, which can help optimize your return. Instead, we’ll prepare and file your taxes based solely on the documents you provide.

If you don’t yet have a CRA My Account, it’s essential to bring all relevant tax documents to your appointment to ensure nothing is missed. To help you prepare, check out our Canadian Tax Checklist — a handy guide to the receipts and forms that can make a big difference in your return.

Frequently asked questions.

What if I'm filing my Canadian taxes for the first time? No worries! We're here to help. You can book an appointment with us or visit us in person for assistance.

Can I still get an Instant Refund if I don't have a CRA My Account? Unfortunately, no. An Instant Refund requires a CRA My Account.

Is my information safe with H&R Block? Yes, the CRA and H&R Block have strict privacy and security measures in place to protect your information.

What if I have a CRA My Account but I'm locked out? If you're locked out of your CRA My Account, you need to call the CRA at 1- 800-959-8281 or use the CRA Chatbot for assistance.