Instructions for Creating a My Business Account with CRA

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

1. Business Number (BN) – a 9-digit number issued by CRA for business dealings.
2. CRA program accounts –either of these: RT (GST/HST), RP (Payroll), RC (Corporate income tax), etc.
3. Social Insurance Number (SIN) – for identity verification.
4. Postal code associated with your CRA personal tax records.
5. Last CRA account balance or amount from your last return/notice of assessment.
6. Access to email and phone for verification codes.

🧾 Step-by-Step: How to Register for CRA My Business Account

Step 1: Go to the CRA My Business Account Website

• Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-businesses/business-account.html

Step 2: Choose Your Sign-In Method

You have two options:

• Option 1: Sign-In Partner (Bank Login)
  Use your online banking credentials with a participating financial institution.
• Option 2: CRA User ID and Password
  Create a CRA login directly.

Let’s continue with Option 2 (CRA login) for this guide.

Step 3: Click “CRA Register”

• Under “CRA login,” click “CRA register”.
• Agree to the terms and conditions to continue.

Step 4: Provide Personal Information

You’ll need to verify your identity first using your personal tax information:

• Enter your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Enter your postal code or ZIP.
• Enter your date of birth.
• Enter details from your most recent tax return (e.g., total income or line 15000 from your latest notice of assessment).

Step 5: Create Your CRA Login

• Choose a CRA user ID and password. (Write this username and password down so you do not forget!)
• Set up security questions and answers (used if you forget your password. I suggest writing these down in case you forget!).

Step 6: Option 1: Document Verification Service instead of receiving a mailed security code (I recommend this!) 

You will be asked to enter your phone number. Once entered, you will receive a text.

On the text message you will receive, click link:
• You’re sent to Interac’s site, where you’ll:

• Choose your ID type
• Upload a photo of the ID
• Take a live selfie (liveness check)
  
  Once you have completed, CRA will process this information to verify your itentity. Make sure the photos are clear and without glare. You get only 3 tries before it defaults you to an access code.

Option 2:CRA Security Code Delivery

• CRA will mail you a security code (this takes 5–10 business days).
• You can use parts of the service right away, but you’ll need this code to access full features.

Step 7: Login to CRA My Business Account

• After receiving your code, log in again using your CRA user ID and password.
• Enter the security code to gain full access.

Step 8: Link Your Business Number

• Once logged in, you’ll be able to link your Business Number (BN).
• Add various CRA accounts (like RT for GST/HST, RP for payroll) under the BN.

🧠 Optional: Grant Access to an Authorized Representative

If someone else (e.g., accountant or bookkeeper) needs access:

• Use “Authorize a Representative” through the Represent a Client service. Contact the firm for more details!