Get your User ID and Password at CRA: Account Access Changes

Canada Revenue Agency allows online access to tax information for individuals, business owners and their representatives. But, as of October 4, 2010, CRA has replaced its epass service with a new, secure log-in system requiring a user ID and password. This change applies to My Account for Individuals, My Business Account and Represent a Client.  Taxpayers who had an epass can transition their account to the new system now. Some services normally accessed will not be immediately available due to this transition. However, CRA indicates that everything will be up and running by February 14, 2011.

Taxpayers will need the five security questions and answers that they used to set up with the epass system. Those who don't have their security questions on file or who are seeking to log-in for the first time will have to complete a new registration.

My Account for Individuals allows taxpayers to access a wealth of personal data including tax slips for E.I., OAS and CPP, payment information for certain tax benefits, account balances, tax owing and refunds, and installment records. It also makes it possible to manage accounts online. Individuals can use My Account for Individuals to make changes to tax returns, update contact information, authorize or cancel representatives, set up payment plans, arrange for direct deposit and dispute an assessment.

My Business Account allows business owners or their representatives to view and manage CRA accounts including GST/HST, payroll and income tax.  This year there are three new features: an instalment payment calculator, electronic transmission of accounting data (for audit purposes), and closure requests for payroll accounts. 

Represent a Client permits an individual or a business to be granted online access to the tax information of another individual or business.  Examples of representatives include accounting firms, payroll services, tax preparers, financial planners, lawyers, executors, guardians and those holding a power of attorney.  Representatives will be authorized when the taxpayer who is granting access  logs on to My Account for Individuals or My Business Account and enters the Rep ID, Group ID or Business Number of their chosen representative.  Taxpayers may also grant authorization by completing form T1013 and sending it to their Tax Centre. 

Some information is available to individuals without a user ID and password. Quick Access requires the Social Insurance Number, date of birth and information from the last filed tax return. This will allow a taxpayer to view his tax return status, RRSP deduction limit and details of benefit payments.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE: Introduction to Personal Tax Preparation Services